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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-09-2006 Traffic Safety Commission AgendaCITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: November 9, 2006 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Multi- Purpose Room, Community Center 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Kane, Guichard Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on November 3, 2006. Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. Oral & 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 not comment on the matter but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. Approval of Draft Minutes Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for August 10, 2006 Draft Traffic Safety Commission Special Meeting Minutes for August 24, 2006 Old Business 1. Traffic Matrix #96 - Pam Roper Issue: Review implementation of Speed Lumps on Three Oaks Way Action: TSC will review and make recommendation if necessary 2. Traffic Matrix #96 Issue: Review implementation of permanent Speed Lumps on Pierce Road Action: TSC will review and make recommendation if necessary 3. Upper Pierce Road Analysis Action: TSC will review and make recommendation if necessary 4. Traffic Matrix # 167 - Corinne Vita Issue: Concerns with intersection safety at Ranfre & Saratoga Avenue Action: TSC will discuss 5. Traffic Matrix # 162 - Paul Ginouves Issue: Speeding on 6th Street Action: TSC will make recommendation New Business 6. Traffic Matrix # 164 - Gloria Watson Issue: Speeding on Farwell Action: TSC will make recommendation 7. Traffic Matrix # 165 - Mary Lou Sciarillo Issue: Safety of intersection of Covina, Merida &r Prospect Action: TSC will make recommendation 8. Traffic Matrix # 166 - Sara Lichtman Issue: Request stop sign at Marilyn &z Ravenwood Action: TSC will make recommendation 9. Traffic Matrix # 168 - Jeffery Tang Issue: Speeding on Austin Way Action: TSC will make recommendation 10. Traffic Matrix # 169 - Patty Constantine Issue: Speeding on Aloha Street Action: TSC will make recommendation 11. Traffic Matrix #170 - Mary Allen Issue: Speeding on Oak Street Action: TSC will make recommendation 12. Traffic Matrix # 171- Thorisa Yap Issue: Request "in pavement lighting" for crosswalk at Titus &r Prospect Action: TSC will make recommendation 13. Traffic Matrix # 172 - Saratoga Village Development Council Issue: Enhancement for crosswalks in the village Action: TSC will make recommendation 14. Traffic Matrix #174 - Kristina Rust Issue: Speeding on Fredericksburg Drive Action: TSC will make recommendation Announcements by Commissioners and Staff None Adjournment. to Next Regular Meeting Thursday, February 9, 2006 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 @saratoga.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 November 3, 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. CITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Draft Action Minutes DATE: August 10, 2006 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Saratoga Senior Center Adult Day Care Room 19655 Allendale, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order - Meeting called to order at 6:35 p.m. Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Kane, Guichard Absent: Commissioners Biester and Kane Staff: Director Cherbone, Analyst Borel and Traffic Engineer Rashid Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on August 4, 2006. - Borel Reports on Posting Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. - No Additions Oral & 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 not comment on the matter but may choose to place the topic on a f uture agenda. - 3 Speakers Approval of Draft Minutes Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for February 9, 2006 - Approved 3 -0 Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for July 20, 2006 - Approved 3 -0 Old Business 1. Traffic Matrix #96 - Pam Roper Issue: Review implementation of Speed Lumps on Three Oaks Way Action: TSC will review and make recommendation if necessary MOTION: Have Traffic Engineer take new speed data after September 15`h and report results at the November 91h meeting. APPROVED 3 -0 Removal of Pierce Road speed bumps until an alternate solution is determined at the August 24, 2006 TSC meeting Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Remove center set of bumps, place radar trailer in both directions, take speed data, have regular directed enforcement, and consider feedback from neighbors. APPROVED 3 -0 New Business Traffic Matrix # 150- Nancy Kirk Issue: Requests signal or 4 way stop at Big Basin and 4th Street Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Take no action at this time, warrents not met. APPROVED 3 -0 4. Traffic Matrix # 151 - Ramin Naimi Issue: Requests Wardell be closed to vehicles and open only to pedestrian traffic Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Direct staff to look at grant funding for a pedestrian bridge, and place on a future CIP list. Direct enforcement at Carniel and Wardell. APPROVED 3 -0 5.. Traffic Matrix # 152- Christy Koz Issue: Speeding on Purdue Lane Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Place a white stripe buffer zone on corner with reflectors as designed by the Traffic Engineer. APPROVED 3 -0 6. Traffic Matrix # 153 - Ursula Anderson Issue: Requests return of left turn pocket for drivers making left hand turn from Kirkmont onto Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Take no action at this time. APPROVED 3 -0 7. Traffic Matrix # 155 - Scott Whitman Issue: Several traffic concerns around Saratoga High School Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Take no action at this time. Explain previous actions of TSC to petitioner. APPROVED 3 -0 8. Traffic Matrix # 162 - Paul Ginouves Issue: Speeding on 6th Street Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Direct enforcement on 6`h & St. Charles, install speed limit signs on 6`h, and take new speed data in October and report back at November 9`h meeting. APPROVED 3 -0 9. Traffic Matrix # 161- Mehdi Eslami Issue: Speeding on Martha near Kevin Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Place striping and reflectors on corner of Kevin and Martha. APPROVED 3 -0 11. Traffic Matrix # 156 - Lynn & Joe Pinto Issue: Speeding on Glen Brae Drive between Scotland and Beaumont Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Traffic Engineer will design channels in several locations to slow traffic, and City will notify neighbors. APPROVED 3 -0 12. Traffic Matrix # 163 - Bob Wallace Issue: Speeding at curve on Pierce Road at Foothill Lane Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Take no action at this time. Wait until August 24`h Pierce Road speed bump meeting. APPROVED 3 -0 MOTION • To review the remaining items (Items 13 -17) as a single topic and review together. APPROVED 3 -0 13. Traffic Matrix # 154 - Brian Frank, Dorothy Terrill Issue: Speeding on Pierce Road between Surry & Houston. Requests "Children at Play" signs. Action: TSC will make recommendation 14. Traffic Matrix # 157 - KiranBhatia Issue: Would like mirror placed on pole to assist with making a left on blind curve on Pierce Action: TSC will make recommendation 15. Traffic Matrix # 158 -Joe Bagliere Issue: Speeding Pierce between Pike and Sarahills on Pierce, and request guardrail at creek crossing Action: TSC will make recommendation 16. Traffic Matrix # 160 - Dan Eastman Issue: Speeding on Pierce Road between Pike and Vista Regina Action: TSC will make recommendation 17. Traffic Matrix # 159 - Donna Guldimann, Mary Feinstein Issue: Curves on Pierce Road at bridge creek crossings are dangerous due to speeding and narrow lanes Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: (Items 13 -17) Direct staff to draft a letter to the Post Office recommending that mailboxes be placed on both sides of the road to reduce crossings. APPROVED 3 -0 MOTION: (Items 13 -17) Direct Traffic Engineer to develop a comprehensive analysis of all of Pierce Road and to present the analysis at the November 9` meeting. APPROVED 3 -0 Announcements by Commissioners and Staff None Adjournment at 10:25 p.m. to the Special Meeting Thursday, August 24, 2006 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 @saratoga.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: 1, 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 August 4, 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. CITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Special Meeting Draft Action Minutes DATE: August 24, 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 Absent: Commissioner Ballingall Staff: Director Cherbone, Traffic Engineer Rashid, and Analyst Borel Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on August 18, 2006. Borel Reports Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. No Additional Items added. Approval of Draft Minutes Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for August 10, 2006 Continued to the meeting on Novemher 9,2006, due to lack of quorum for minutes Oral & 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 not comment on the matter but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. Old Business 1. Traffic Matrix # 111 Issue: Discuss implementation of an alternative traffic calming solution on Pierce Road Action: TSC will review and make recommendation MOTION: Remove the two existing speed lumps and replaced with a longer re- designed lump as determined by the Traffic Engineer and Public Works Director, and install a choker* between the two lumps in the most appropriate location as determined by the Traffic Engineer. APPROVED 4 -0 *Choker - median chokers narrow the horizontal width of travel lanes New Business None Announcements by Commissioners and Staff None Adjournment at 9:40 p.m. to Next Regular Meeting Thursday, November 9, 2006 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 @saratosa.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. Item 3 On The Agenda These are the Pierce Rd issues from the August meeting: Traffic Matrix # 163 - Bob Wallace Issue: Speeding at curve on Pierce Road at Foothill Lane Traffic Matrix # 154 - Brian Frank, Dorothy Terrill Issue: Speeding on Pierce Road between Surry &z Houston. Requests "Children at Play" signs. Traffic Matrix # 157 - Kiran Bhatia Issue: Would like mirror placed on pole to assist with making a left on blind curve on Pierce Traffic Matrix # 158 - Joe Bagliere Issue: Speeding Pierce between Pike and Sarahills on Pierce, and request guardrail at creek crossing Traffic Matrix # 160 - Dan Eastman Issue: Speeding on Pierce Road between Pike and Vista Regina Traffic Matrix # 159 - Donna Guldimann, Mary Feinstein Issue: Curves on Pierce Road at bridge creek crossings are dangerous due to speeding and narrow lanes Kristin Borel From: Paul & Corinne Vita [pcvita @comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 2:49 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: brige26 @hotmail.com; 'Paul Vita' Subject: Safety issue - Intersection of Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. Page 1 of 1 Traffic Matrix #167 Kristen, Thank you for putting the intersection of Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. on the Nov. 9 Traffic Safety Commission meeting agenda. I will notify neighbors to provide you input prior to the meeting and to attend the meeting. I have lived in the Ranfre neighborhood since 1992 and have noticed Saratoga Ave. traffic increasing exponentially over the years. Some key reasons for the increase — Highway 85 on ramps new a few years ago, more housing in the area, new Saratoga Library, and increased activity at nearby schools — St. Andrews, Sacred Heart, West Valley College. The area around Ranfre /Saratoga Ave. is like a freeway. Saratoga Ave. is 4 lanes of non -stop traffic from early morning until late at night. I understand more multi -level housing is planned for downtown Saratoga. I have a friend who lives in Boulder Creek and commutes down Saratoga Ave. More housing means more cars on streets. Many of us in the Ranfre neighborhood need to make a left turn onto Saratoga Ave. to take our children to school, library, church or downtown Saratoga. I feel unsafe every time I need to make a left turn from Ranfre onto Saratoga Ave. I fear for the safety of myself and my children. All the other streets that intersect Saratoga Ave. from other neighborhoods near Ranfre have a street light. I propose a traffic light to ensure the safety of the intersection and our children or some other improvement to the intersection so it is not so dangerous. I have a call into the Sheriffs department West Valley Sub Station to obtain incident/accident statistics for the intersection. I know a year ago there was a bad accident at this intersection. Let's improve the safety of the intersection and prevent accidents. Thanks, Corinne Vita 13618 Wendy Lane, Saratoga 867 -4868 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.3/446 - Release Date: 9/12/2006 9/12/2006 Page 1 of 2 Kristin Borel From: Paul & Corinne Vita [pcvita @comcast.net] Sent: Sunday, October 01, 2006 8:26 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: 'Niti Agrawal'; 'elizabeth george' Subject: RE: Request for Light at Ranfre We would like to request an improvement at the intersection of Ranfre and Saratoga. A traffic light is just one idea for improvement. The intersection continues to be a danger to our children. I would like to speak with the Traffic Engineer and review the 2005 data. Please send me contact information for the Traffic Engineer. I also gathered statistics from the police department in preparation for the Nov. 9th meeting. The highest number of Saratoga traffic accidents occur in the corridor between Fruitvale and Highway 85 along Saratoga Ave. This is exactly where Ranfre — Saratoga Ave intersection is located. There have been multiple accidents at the intersection of Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. I would like to understand what time of day the Traffic Engineer did the vehicle counts and if the traffic engineer examined the number of accidents in the immediate vicinity of Ranfre — Saratoga. The traffic is dangerous in the morning and afternoon. If the Traffic Engineer did the counts during the mid day this would not be an accurate assessment of the dangers during peak traffic. I did speak with Brigitte Ballingall and I understand the Public Safety Commission heard a Ranfre issue and recommended an improvement of the median to make left turns safer. What is the status of this action? You originally said the Traffic Safety Commission meeting was Nov. 9. Is it Nov. 9 or Nov. 19? 1 request the item be heard at the Nov. 9 Traffic Safety Commission meeting. Thanks, Corinne Vita From: Kristin Borel [mailto:kborel @saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 10:24 AM To: Paul & Corinne Vita Cc: Niti Agrawal; elizabeth george Subject: Request for Light at Ranfre Corinne, I met with the Traffic Engineer yesterday about the upcoming TSC meeting in November to go over the new items. It seems that your same issue was already heard in front of the Public Safety Commission. Last May (2005), Public Safety Commission was disbanded and the TSC was formed. Traffic concerns as well as many other City safety issues were brought before the PSC. Your concern was brought before the PSC in 2005 and the Traffic Engineer did vehicle counts to see if a traffic signal was warranted. A minimum number of vehicle traffic is required before the installation of a traffic signal is considered. Your intersection was well below the required threshold needed to meet the warrant. I was not aware of the PSC decision because this program was run through the City Manager's office. I had also heard from Brigitte Ballingall telling me that the PSC already ruled on this item. Brigitte and the other members of the TSC also served on the Public Safety Commission. I am sorry that we will not be hearing your item on November 19th Please let me know if you have further questions. 10/5/2006 Page 2 of 2 Sincerely Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408 - 868 -1258 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.407 / Virus Database: 268.12.11/460 - Release Date: 10/1/2006 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.407 / Virus Database: 268.12.11/460 - Release Date: 10/1/2006 10/5/2006 Page 1 of 2 Kristin Borel From: Niti Agrawal [agrawal_niti @yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 1:00 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: 'Paul Vita' Subject: FW: Safety issue - Intersection of Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. Hi Kristen, I want to support Corinne & Paul Vita's proposal to have a traffic light at the intersection of Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. It is a busy interestion and very difficult to make a left onto saratoga ave from Ranfre. This especially is a problem in the mornings (taking my kids to school) and in the late afternoon /weekends, when traffic on Saratoga Ave is high. I will be there at the Traffic Safety Commission meeting on 11/9. Thanks, Niti From: Paul & Corinne Vita [mailto:pcvita @comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 10:11 PM To: 'Niti Agrawal' Subject: FW: Safety issue - Intersection of Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. Hi Niti, I have a neighborhood update that will need your support — I have scheduled an agenda item at the next Traffic Safety Commission meeting on Thursday, Nov. 9. Meeting takes place at City Hall starting at 6:30 pm. The item is the safety of Ranfre /Saratoga Ave intersection. It will be first or second on the agenda. One of our neighbors Brigitte Ballingall is on the Traffic Safety Commission. I propose a traffic light or intersection improvement for the intersection of Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. I'm increasingly concerned with the safety of Ranfre /Saratoga. All other streets that intersect with Saratoga around Ranfre have a street light. I feel our intersection is unsafe and near impossible to make a safe left turn. I called the West Valley Sub Station and left a message with the Sheriff dept to get statistics on any traffic incidents /accidents for Ranfre /Saratoga intersection. Please send an email with your thoughts on this proposal to Kristen Borel. She works for the City of Saratoga in the traffic office. Kristen will assign a Traffic Engineer to study the issue and give a report at the Nov. 9 meeting. We need a few neighbors to show up at the Nov. 9 meeting. The next step is the Traffic Commission votes and can send a proposal for improvement of our intersection to the City Council. Please include any safety concerns in your email to Kristen and copy me. Kristen Borel's email is kborel(a@aratoga.ca.us We are putting together a neighborhood email address list. I'll be sure to include you and get you an updated map /email info. Corinne From: Paul & Corinne Vita [mailto:pcvita @comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 2:49 PM To: 'kborel @saratoga.ca.us' Cc: 'brige26 @hotmail.com'; 'Paul Vita' 10/5/2006 Page 2 of 2 Subject: Safety issue - Intersection of Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. Kristen, Thank you for putting the intersection of Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. on the Nov. 9 Traffic Safety Commission meeting agenda. I will notify neighbors to provide you input prior to the meeting and to attend the meeting. I have lived in the Ranfre neighborhood since 1992 and have noticed Saratoga Ave. traffic increasing exponentially over the years. Some key reasons for the increase — Highway 85 on ramps new a few years ago, more housing in the area, new Saratoga Library, and increased activity at nearby schools — St. Andrews, Sacred Heart, West Valley College. The area around Ranfre /Saratoga Ave. is like a freeway. Saratoga Ave. is 4 lanes of non -stop traffic from early morning until late at night. I understand more multi -level housing is planned for downtown Saratoga. I have a friend who lives in Boulder Creek and commutes down Saratoga Ave. More housing means more cars on streets. Many of us in the Ranfre neighborhood need to make a left turn onto Saratoga Ave. to take our children to school, library, church or downtown Saratoga. I feel unsafe every time I need to make a left turn from Ranfre onto Saratoga Ave. I fear for the safety of myself and my children. All the other streets that intersect Saratoga Ave. from other neighborhoods near Ranfre have a street light. I propose a traffic light to ensure the safety of the intersection and our children or some other improvement to the intersection so it is not so dangerous. I have a call into the Sheriffs department West Valley Sub Station to obtain incident/accident statistics for the intersection. I know a year ago there was a bad accident at this intersection. Let's improve the safety of the intersection and prevent accidents. Thanks, Corinne Vita 13618 Wendy Lane, Saratoga 867 -4868 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.3/446 - Release Date: 9/12/2006 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.3/446 - Release Date: 9/12/2006 10/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Mike [sheehanmike1 @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 10:27 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Ranfre /Saratoga Intersection.. Hi Kristen: I would like to voice support to the Ranfre /Saratoga Avenue intersection solution. Presently this is a dangerous place to cross to Saratoga Avenue. I have witnessed problem's several times with car's swerving to avoid a collision with a car merging from Ranfre to Saratoga. With all the traffic now especially with West Valley College students J am very supportive and requesting a safety review with the implementation of a left turnout lane to safely merge onto Saratoga Avenue. Thanks for your consideration. Mike Sheehan We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups. 11/2/2006 Kristin Borel From: Mary Lynn [maryandbill @comcast.net] ent: Friday, October 27, 2006 7:11 AM fo: Kristin Bore] Subject: Ranfre Lane & Saratoga Ave. Intersection on Agenda for CityCouncil Nov. 9, 2006 Dear Ms. Borel: It may not be possible for us, to be at this meeting. We want very much, however, to tell the Council how much we need and want this improvement. It is a real safety issue. Please add this to comments from others about this issue. Thank you very much. Wm. E. &r Mary L. Hotaling 19305 Ranfre Lane Te. 408.867.0903 Saratoga, CA 95070 Gloria Watson From: "Gloria Watson" <gloriasgallery@earthlink.net> To: <kborel @sar.ca.us> Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 4:20 PM Subject: traffic Traffic Matrix #164 Kristin Sorry, I lost your name /address so am late. September 11,200 my neighbors and I submitted a petition for road bumps on Farwell Ave., Saratoga as it had become a pass - through from LG -Sar to Fruitvale. We had counted up to and over 200 cars passing within a little over an hour time. We assumed at that time it was mothers taking children to /from Redwood School A traffic study was made but nothing was done to the road. We were given a "tool kit" for calming traffic on residential streets. Three Oaks the next street above us experienced the same situation. (Bumps have been installed there.) So now we receive some of their previous traffic. We made the same request a couple of years later to no avail. Now this year it doesn't seem as bad at the moment. I haven't been out working on my yard near the road this year as before. However I believe the very fast speeders come at various time of day and night so can't blame it all on the mothers taking their children to school. Everyone seems to be in such a hurry all over - they don't stop for red light, pedestrians in crosswalks etc. Perhaps, if not bumps (which I do not really like to drive over) those little pedestal signs I have seen in the middle of the streets asking people to slow down for people, children and animals. I really appreciate your interest and if anything can be done, we shall all benefit. Thank you Gloria Watson 10/2/2006 Mary Lou Sciarrillo - 20255 Merida Drive, Saratoga, CA Kristin Borel From: Sciarrillo, Mary Lou [marylou.sciarrillo @xip.net] Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 11:11 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: Sciarrillo, Mary Lou Subject: Mary Lou Sciarrillo - 20255 Merida Drive, Saratoga, CA Hello Ms. Borel: Page 1 of 1 Traffic Matrix #165 Per our discussion today August 21, you asked me to send you an explanation on my concern where I am living. In the last year I have had two cars hit my vehicles in two difference incidences. One car hit my volvo that was parked right in front of my house. The car made a left turn and lost control and hit my car. The second incident a car went across my lawn almost hit my house - went on my driveway and hit my jeep that was parked in front of my house. If I would have had my cars parked in my driveway they would have been hit. I am really concern that if someone was out in front of my house they would have been hit and would be a very tragic accident. I have a large family that comes and visits me and I don't want to see anyone get hurt. I don't feel safe at all. There is a big tree on the corner of Covina and Prospect and anyone making a right turn could have a blind spot on the corner. Creating a speed bump could help. Please help me and my family regarding this issue. I don't want this to happen again. Thank you for your support. Mary Lou Sciarrillo marylou.sciartillo@xip.net 650 813 -7707 Fax# 650 845 -2479 10/5/2006 143 _ ,Fir_; •i �r a ��� . IL � .:. ... • `. L .i ail 1 a L R a . _Y s�5fI ■ .Ly �vYti R� �ey L�a.t gma ,t C=1 IYC A. m will kva 1 e N. Or � �� is ��� —►�- ,r . � �� ,:.� -;,� 1 Dr N • Dr. a ry`: •° �' �.l.f,' - Loch T <•� V t W, ! L4 Kristin Borel From: S Lichtman Uesamm @yahoo.com] gent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 11:15 AM ro: Kristin Borel Subject: stop sign at Marilyn and Ravenwood Ms. Borel, Traffic Matrix #166 I would like the city to consider putting a stop sign on Marilyn Lane and Ravenwood Drive. The children walking to and from Marshall Lane School walk around this blind corner and I think they are at risk from speeding cars. The children are short and cannot be seen by cars turning the corner. I live at this corner and I see how fast the cars are driving and how some of the moms are distracted by their own children or are talking on their cellphones. My mailbox is at this intersection and I have had my own problems crossing the street to get my mail. I wouldn't let my child walk home alone from Marshall Lane because of this issue. There are now more cars parking on Marilyn Lane because of the new entrance on Sobey Road. Because Marilyn Lane is so narrow now there is no place for the children to walk but in the street. I know the problem is at its worst because of school starting, but the situation continues all through the school year. I think just one stop sign on Marilyn Lane would be sufficient. A stop sign on Ravenwood is not as necessary. Thank you for your time, Sara Lichtman 8615 Ravenwood Drive Saratoga 378 -3575 Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http: / /mail.yahoo.com Traffic and safety concern on Austin Way Kristin Borel From: Jeffrey Tang [tang @broadcom.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 3:26 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Traffic and safety concern on Austin Way Hi Kristin, Page 1 of 2 Traffic Matrix x#168 It's nice to talk to you on the phone, and I am really appreciated your attention of my concern regarding safety and noise of my neighborhood. We lived in Saratoga for almost 10 years. We just moved about one month ago from Seagull Ct. to 19066 Austin Way. Since we moved in, we have noticed that majority of cars are driving over the speed limit on Austin Way (South side of Hwy 9) which is a concern to safety. It also generates loud traffic noise, and cause potential damage to heritage lane. I listed some facts and concerns in below: - There is a pre - school on Austin Way. The over speed limit traffic is a safety concern to school children and parents when dropping or picking up children. - There is a speed limit sign of 251VIPH, but it was somewhat covered by branches. - It is a downhill from Hwy 9 into Austin Way. We noticed most of cars were driving over 25MPH speed limit, to above 301VIPH. - Austin Way is a Heritage Lane with red brick surface road. Fast traffic generates very loud noise. The loud traffic noise bothers my family and neighbors, especially during mid night or early morning. The fast traffic could also damage the heritage lane, warn out the brick road. - We noticed that our brick mail box was knocked by car and shifted from original position. Another event happened on yesterday that I found a broken rear mirror from a car on the ground of my front yard. The car mirror was apparently knocked down by tree branches when people drive too fast. I feel unsafe even to pick up mails or to pull out trash /recycle bin when traffic driving by. - Several neighbors include myself have young children. It is unsafe for them to walk or bike outside of property. I talked to several neighbors and they all have the same concern. (19101, 19100, 19120 Austin Way). This area should be a very nice, quiet and pleasant neighborhood, with special culture addition of Heritage lane. However, it becomes a hazardous and noise neighborhood due to over speed traffic. One suggestion I have is to put a speed bump right before entering heritage brick road on both side of Austin Way. This can force cars to slow down before entering the brick road. I am also open to any other solutions that can ease the situation. Please consider above situation seriously, and address these concerns. Please also let me know when next meeting will be held. 9/12/2006 Traffic and safety concern on Austin Way Regards, Jeffrey Tang 19066 Austin Way Saratoga 9/12/2006 Page 2 of 2 Kristin Borel From: patty constantine [pattypc2005 @yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 7:19 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: perry constantine Subject: Re: TSC Meeting Page 1 of 1 Traffic Matrix #169 kristin..per our phone call, i was unable to make it to the city offices to review the landscaping plan for aloha ave ... was in san francisco with a client later than expected that day..is it still viewable at the city offices? second, the speeding on aloha begins near forest hills as vehicles come up the street incline and reaches maximum speed approximately at 14718/14725/14732 aloha addresses... as a result, the stop sign at komina and aloha is not a full stop for many vehicles, more a "yield" as the vehicles "roll" thru the stop sign and cross walk ... last year i sent a detailed email listing my concerns regarding our street and neighborhood to the city council members ... this email was forwarded to the traffic and safety commission ... i can send you a hard copy if you need this as well... again, it would be appreciated if a traffic /speed survey was initiated on aloha avenue... finally, will the residents of aloha ave and surrounding streets be sent a notification of the november 9th TSC meeting... thanks again, patty constantine. Kristin Borel <kborel@saratoga. ca. us> wrote: Hi Patty, Thanks so much for taking time to fill me in on the situation on Aloha. I will schedule this for the November 9th TSC meeting. If you wouldn't mind sending me an email regarding your experience and what kind of safety issues you observe on your street. I look forward to hearing from you. Please let me know if you have further questions. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408 - 868 -1258 10/5/2006 Kristin Borel From: John Cherbone Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 6:17 PM To: mmallen02 @aol.com Cc: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: traffic safety on Oak Street Page 1 of 1 Traffic Matrix #170 Hi Mary, We will add your concern to our next Traffic Safety Commission agenda where we will discuss this. Kristin Borel will contact you regarding the meeting time and place so you can attend. Sincerely, John From: mmallen02 @aol.com [mailto:mmallen02 @aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 4:44 PM To: John Cherbone Subject: traffic safety on Oak Street Dear John, As a long time resident of Oak Street here in the village I would like to bring your attention to the unsafe speed that I have noticed has increased within the past few weeks. Police presence used to be apparent but is not recently. As the elementary school brings increased traffic this time of year I would appreciate any suggestions you may have concerning this manner. For example could the speed bumps that have been installed on Komina be used as well on Oak Street? Could we have more police presence, especially in the morning hours and 5:00pm hours? I appreciate any help you can give us residents. Mary Allen mmallen02(@aol.com 867 -3231 9/28/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: mmallen02 @aol.com Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 4:52 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Oak Street HI Kristin, Thanks so much for calling and talking to me last Friday about my traffic concerns on Oak Street here in the village. As a 10 year resident I have steadily seen an increase of traffic on Oak Street. The building of the former Sisters of Mercy lots, Starbucks etc, and just general traffic increase has all contributed to this. My concerns are twofold. One and foremost is the speed issue. The speed limit on Oak Street is 25mph. On any typical morning or late afternoon(5:OOpm) 25 is not the speed limit. This seems to me to be mostly in the area of 3erd down to Highway 9. There is an incline but still people do speed from those points. My second concern is the parking in front of Bood -GO- Round. Kristen why is there parking allowed in front of that building when no where else on that side of the street is it allowed. I think now that we have Starbucks more people are using the Bood -GO- Round. But people, mostly older drivers, don't know where to park so they make U turns in the middle of the street. There is street parking allowed on the other side of the street but it makes for such a narrow turn from Highway 9 that I see so many "near misses', because of the narrowness of the street, In conclusion, Oak Street is the oldest street in town. It is very narrow, built I am told for model T's. It would be so much better if parking was not allowed in front of Bood -Go- Round. It is jsut so narrow turning from Highway 9 and coming down Oak STreet from 3erd. Why can't these customers use our beautiful city lot across the street on Highway 9. Believe me on a typical day no one even uses those lots. We know have pedestrians signs to help them cross the street. Or why can't they use the musem parking in back of the McWilliams house. These would be so much safer. I hope you and John will take a look at my concerns. I know none of us want an accident on our conscience. I again thank you for your time. Best, Mary Allen 14500 Oak Street mmalen02(a)aol.com 867 -3231 10/3/2006 TraMrr 'N A,,rriv jV171 Kristin Borel From: John Cherbone Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 9:18 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: Dave Anderson Subject: FW: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk Page 1 of 2 Traffic Matrix #172 Hi Kristin, For our next TSC agenda although I believe this issue is already on the agenda. Thanks, John From: Dave Anderson Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 5:47 PM To: John Cherbone Subject: FW: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk FYI From: brianberg @gmail.com [mailto:brianberg @ gmail.com] Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 9:50 AM To: SVDC List Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk Thanks for your email, Kathleen. I have been asking for EXACTLY this for some four years now, at various SBDC /SVDC meetings. This has been included in SVDC minutes on various occasions. I have noted my personal harrowing "adventures" while crossing Big Basin Way in earlier postings to this list, including standing in the middle of the street in the crosswalk while cars pass on each side of me -- that is scary! This is absolutely needed, but also at 3rd and BBW, 4th and BBW, etc. People fly down BBW off the hill and avoid eye contact with people who are already in the crosswalk so that they can justify to themselves that they have not broken the law by not stopping for me. Others are often talking on a cell phone, and probably truly did not notice me. These people will have less of an excuse when they see these yellow markers. I was amazed that one of these yellow knockdowns was installed on Hwy 9 at Oak Street, but that BBW did not receive similar treatment. Please make this a top issue before we suffer the tragedy of someone being seriously hurt or killed while attempting to cross BBW. Much of the work in revitalizing the Village would go down the drain if this occurred. You can tell that this is my hot button. I would very much appreciate the Public Safety Committee addressing this issue. Thanks, Brian Berg 10/3/2006 Page 2 of 2 On 9/28/06, kk2king kcomcast.net <kk2king�ao,comcast.net> wrote: <<< Forwarded by sbdc@listsite.com (Message #823) >>> Dear Friends, Gary at Saratoga Barbers would be interested in seeing a "knock down pedestrian" sign in the cross walk in front of the Buy and Save area, similar to the one at the Oak Street crossing. They are used to slow traffic down. I noticed Willow Glen had quite a few down their main street of Lincoln. Any feedback? They are probably a great safety measure. We can ask the Public Safety Committee to evaluate the request. Kathleen 10/3/2006 Page 1 of 2 Kristin Borel From: John Cherbone Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 9:36 AM To: Kathleen King Cc: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk Hi Kathleen, We can look into this. Sincerely, John From: Kathleen King [mailto:kk2king @ comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006 11:57 PM To: John Cherbone Subject: Fw: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk Dear John, Is this even feasable. Kathleen - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: cliff(cD-reader.com To: sbdc -. listsite.com Cc: kk2king(LDcomcast.net Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006 7:36 PM Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk <<< Forwarded by sbdc@listsite.com (Message #823) >>> In some countries, pedestrian crosswalks have small spotlights mounted on poles at the sidewalk that give extra illumination to the crosswalk. I have been thinking for some time they would be very helpful. The problem is especially bad on winter nights when diners are crossing at Fourth St. wearing dark overcoats etc. Several times I have been driving and seen people only at the last minute. I checked today, and all crosswalks have light poles close to them, so installing these extra spotlights should be relatively easy. Cliff Reader 408 867 4884 Home -office 408 857 0209 Mobile cliffreader Skype cliff @reader.com www.reader.com From: kk2king @comcast.net [mailto:kk2king @ comcast.net] Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 10:26 PM To: sbdc @listsite.com Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk Dear Friends, Gary at Saratoga Barbers would be interested in seeing a "knock down pedestrian" sign in the cross walk in front of the Buy and Save area, similar to the one at the Oak Street crossing. They are used to slow traffic down. I 10/3/2006 Page 2 of 2 noticed Willow Glen had quite a few down their main street of Lincoln. Any feedback? They are probably a great safety measure. We can ask the Public Safety Committee to evaluate the request. Kathleen --------------------------------------------------------- ----- Saratoga Village Development Council (SVDC) - - - - -- ---- Post messages to list using sbdc @listsite.com - - -- --- Questions: Brian Berg, bberg @bswd.com, 741.5010 - -- -- Meetings: 2nd and Last Tue. of the Month, 8:30am - -- - International Coffee Exchange, 14471 Big Basin Way -- --- Village Banner: www.bswd.com /SaratogaBanner.pdf - -- ------- Saratoga @ 50 site: www.saratoga50.org -- - - - - -- --------------------------------------------------------- 10/3/2006 Page 3 of 6 408 857 0209 Mobile cliffreader Skype cliff @reader.com www.reader.com From: brianberg @gmail.com [mailto: brianberg @gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, October 01, 2006 11:03 AM To: SVDC List Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk I heartily agree. I myself have nearly hit people jay - walking on BBW just east of 3rd Street, just after I turned onto BBW from 3rd St. This is a turn that I always make carefully in order to be aware of cars from 2 directions and pedestrians on each of 3 corners. The last thing I need is a pedestrian starting from a 4th location. Indeed, jaywalking near intersections poses the greatest danger. On another topic, I think we have all seen people make U -turns on BBW without any thought to the danger they pose, or whether they are holding up traffic with what is sometimes a 4 -point turn. Add a jaywalker to that mix for some real trouble. We'll probably always have U- turners due to the logistics of getting around the Village, but the knock -down markers would likely lessen their number since they *MIGHT* reconsider their move if they had to drive over a knock -down sign to make their illegal move. Brian Berg p.s. A point of etiquette for use of this list. It's easy to do a group reply in order for the whole list to see your reply to a posting. However, unless you edit the list of recipients, one person will receive 2 copies of your message. If someone does a group reply to THAT message, two people will receive 2 copies of your message, and so on. Please take the time to remove extra addresses from your To and Cc list before such a reply. Thank you. On 10/1/06, chuck_scb@botmaii.com <chuck_sch@hotmail.com> wrote: Hello All, Perhaps the "knock- down" signs at crosswalks through the Village might serve a dual purpose: 1. to provide greater awareness of a crosswalk on the part of drivers of vehicles; 2. provide greater awareness on the part of jaywalkers that a crosswalk exists for their benefit and safety. The problem of jaywalkers crossing this busy Village street in between crosswalks is becoming an acute problem - an accident just waiting to happen, many times during each day. I have witnessed several near misses as careless or arrogant people on foot believe that they have the right -of -way the minute they step off the curb anywhere along the street. This problem becomes even more severe during the evening hours, especiallly with the dark clothing worn by people going to or from the various restauraunts. 10/3/2006 Page 4 of 6 My two cents, folks! Chuck Schoppe From: kk2king0comcast.net Reply -To: kk2king0comcast.net To: <dmcmahon0dmcmahon.com >, <sbdc011stsite.com> Subject: [SVDC] "knockdown" pedestrian sign in the crosswalk Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 23:52:32 -0700 <<< Forwarded by sbdc(o )listsite.com (Message #829) >>> We did do a major study again last year of Verde Vista to see if it warrants a light and when the study was completed the results were that it wasn't warranted. The state frowns heavily on a city that puts in a light where the data does not warrant it. We are putting in the lighted sidewalk at the Oak Street crossing that goes across Saratoga -Los Gatos Road. The lighted sidewalk cost $120- 150,000. We received a "Safe Route for Kids" grant to cover $160,000 of it. The work should be starting up again soon. I agree with you about slowing the traffic in the Village. On Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos the speed limit is 15 mph. The slower speed limit is deffinitely safer. We do have $50,000 in our public safety fund and this could be used anywhere in the city. We try to keep it replenished for any major traffic safety issues in the city. Kathleen - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: <rjmcmahon nrjmcmahon.com> To: < sbdc @listsite.com> Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006 10:00 PM Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk > <<< Forwarded by sbdc( listsite.com (Message #828) >>> >Hi, >I believe Foothill college has crosswalks which illuminate when >pedistrians >enter. It seems to work well there. >I agree that something needs to be done and it's dissapointing to >see that >these issues are rarely addressed. >My 8 year old son was only saved by a screaming parent once when >crossing Big >Basin Way. The car driving was going way too fast, not yielding to >pedestrians (especially small ones) and my son was talking to his >friend as >the both started through the crosswalk. That easily could have >turned into a >terrible tragedy. By the grace of God I still have a son in my >family. I'll >never forget that day. >I would take the issue a bit further and suggest that Saratoga needs >to take >traffic safety much more seriously across the board. People like to >believe >we live in a rural town that doesn't need traffic controls. Reality >is we >live in an urban setting, full of cars, and the community would be > better >served if traffic safety was properly planned for and seriously >enforced. >Another example, I tried to get a traffic signal considered a few >years back >at Verde Vista Lane and Saratoga - Sunnyvale after seeing a major >accident > there. This route is used by many to reach Foothill elementary. >(The better >option would have been to connect the roads properly so the Heriman >signal >could have been used, but it looks like housing developers got the >best over 10/3/2006 Page 5 of 6 >proper city planning.) Needless to say I myself experienced an >accident >there costing $10K. Luckily nobody was injured. The police officer >told me >at the time there's an accident a month at that intersection. >In my opinion the limited government and "real estate" driven >revenue and >operating model (e.g. sell city land to raise monies, ignore proper >road >planning so a developer can sell another multimillion dollar house, >etc.) >doesn't work well when it comes to building and maintaining quality >communities, Revitalizing the village is a step in the right >direction. >That's why I like what SVDC is doing. Making the village safe, even >for 8 >year olds, seems like a prerequisite to any revitalization plans. > Making the >rest of Saratoga roads safe would also be nice. >Thanks, >Bob McMahon » «< Forwarded by sbdc@listsite.com (Message #827) >>> » «< Forwarded by sbdc @listsite.com (Message #823) >>> >>In some countries, pedestrian crosswalks have small spotlights >>mounted on >>poles at the sidewalk that give extra illumination to the >>crosswalk. I have >>been thinking for some time they would be very helpful. The problem >>is >>especially bad on winter nights when diners are crossing at Fourth >>St. >>wearing dark overcoats etc. Several times I have been driving and >>seen >>people only at the last minute. I checked today, and all crosswalks >>have >>light poles close to them, so installing these extra spotlights >>should be »relatively easy. >>Cliff Reader »408 867 4884 Home - office »408 857 0209 Mobile >>cliffreader Skype >> <mailto:cliff(@reader.com> cliff @reader.com >> <htto: / /www.reader.com /> www.reader.com >>From: kk2kinci comcast.net [mailto: kk2kino@comcast.net] >>Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 10:26 PM >>To: sbdc @listsite.com >>Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk >>Dear Friends, >>Gary at Saratoga Barbers would be interested in seeing a "knock >>down >>pedestrian" sign in the cross walk in front of the Buy and Save >>area, 10/3/2006 Page 6 of 6 >>similar to the one at the Oak Street crossing. They are used tc >>slow >>traffic down. I noticed Willow Glen had quite a few down their >>main street >>of Lincoln. Any feedback? They are probably a great safety >>measure. We >>can ask the Public Safety Committee to evaluate the request. >> Kathleen Brian A. Berg bberg(2,bswd.com Voice: 408.741.5010 Berg Software Design FAX: 408.741.5234 visit the Storage Cornucopia at www.bswd.com 14500 Big Basin Way, Suite F Consulting: SCSI/FC /SAN /storage Saratoga, CA 95070 USA Cell: 408.568.2505 --------------------------------------------------------- ----- Saratoga Village Development Council (SVDC) - - - - -- ---- Post messages to list using sbdc@listsite.com - - -- --- Questions: Brian Berg, bberg@bswd.com, 741.5010 - -- -- Meetings: 2nd and Last Tue. of the Month, 8:30am - -- International Coffee Exchange, 14471 Big Basin Way -- --- Village Banner: www.bswd.com /SaratogaBanner.pdf - -- ------- Saratoga @ 50 site: www.saratoga50.org -- - - - - -- --------------------------------------------------------- 10/3/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Marilyn Marchetti [marilyn.marchetti @comcast.net] Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 3:44 PM To: John Cherbone Subject: Knock Downs Can we try for 3 to start? One at the entrance by Blaney Plaza, one in front of Buy & Save, and one at 4th Street. Also, I noticed the bike rack up by the Bike Shop. It looks good there at Blaney. Can we get 2 small (2 bike) racks by International House of Coffee? Marilyn 10/3/2006 Kristin Borel From: Dave Anderson Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 5:47 PM To: John Cherbone Subject: FW: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk FYI - - - -- Original Message---- - From: rjmcmahon @rjmcmahon.com [ mailto:rjmcmahon @rjmcmahon.com] Sent: Saturday, September 30,2006 10:01 PM To: sbdc @listsite.com Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk <<< Forwarded by sbdc @listsite.com (Message #828) w Hi, I believe Foothill college has crosswalks which illuminate when pedistrians enter. It seems to work well there. I agree that something needs to be done and it's dissapointing to see that these issues are rarely addressed. My 8 year old son was only saved by a screaming parent once when crossing Big Basin Way. The car driving was going way too fast, not yielding to pedestrians (especially small ones) and my son was talking to his friend as the both started through the crosswalk. That easily could have turned into a terrible tragedy. By the grace of God I still have a son in my family. I'll never forget that day. I would take the issue a bit further and suggest that Saratoga needs to take traffic safety much more seriously across the board. People like to believe we live in a rural town that doesn't need traffic controls. Reality is we live in an urban setting, full of cars, and the community would be better served if traffic safety was properly planned for and seriously enforced. Another example, I tried to get a traffic signal considered a few years back at Verde Vista Lane and Saratoga - Sunnyvale after seeing a major accident there. This route is used by many to reach Foothill elementary. (The better option would have been to connect the roads properly so the Heriman signal could have been used, but it looks like housing developers got the best over proper city planning.) Needless to say I myself experienced an accident there costing $10K. Luckily nobody was injured. The police officer told me at the time there's an accident a month at that intersection. In my opinion the limited government and "real estate" driven revenue and operating model (e.g. sell city land to raise monies, ignore proper road planning so a developer can sell another multimillion dollar house, etc.) doesn't work well when it comes to building and maintaining quality communities. Revitalizing the village is a step in the right direction. That's why I like what SVDC is doing. Making the village safe, even for 8 year olds, seems like a prerequisite to any revitalization plans. Making the rest of Saratoga roads safe would also be nice. Thanks, Bob McMahon > <<< Forwarded by sbdc @listsite.com (Message #827) >>> <<< Forwarded by > sbdc @listsite.com (Message #823) >>> Kristin Borel From: Dave Anderson ent: Monday, October 02, 2006 5:48 PM ro: John Cherbone Subject: FW: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk 1=1 - - - -- Original Message---- - From: kk2king @comcast.net [mailto:kk2king @ comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, September 30, 200611:53 PM To: rjmcmahon @rjmcmahon.com; sbdc @listsite.com Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk <<< Forwarded by sbdc @listsite.com (Message #829) »> We did do a major study again last year of Verde Vista to see if it warrants a light and when the study was completed the results were that it wasn't warranted. The state frowns heavily on a city that puts in a light where the data does not warrant it. We are putting in the lighted sidewalk at the Oak Street crossing that goes across Saratoga -Los Gatos Road. The lighted sidewalk cost $120 - 150,000. We received a "Safe Route for Kids" grant to cover $160,000 of it. The work should be starting up again soon. I agree with you about slowing the traffic in the Village. On Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos the speed limit is 15 mph. The slower speed limit is deffinitely safer. We do have $50,000 in our public safety fund and this could be used anywhere in the city. We try to keep it replenished for any major traffic safety issues in the city. .athleen - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: <rjmcmahon @rjmcmahon.com> To: <sbdc @listsite.com> Sent: Saturday, September 30, 200610:00 PM Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk > <<< Forwarded by sbdc @listsite.com (Message #828) >>> Hi, > I believe Foothill college has crosswalks which illuminate when > pedistrians > enter. It seems to work well there. > I agree that something needs to be done and it's dissapointing to see > that these issues are rarely addressed. > My 8 year old son was only saved by a screaming parent once when > crossing Big Basin Way. The car driving was going way too fast, not > yielding to pedestrians (especially small ones) and my son was talking > to his friend as the both started through the crosswalk. That easily > could have turned into a terrible tragedy. By the grace of God I still have a son in my family. I'll > never forget that day. > I would take the issue a bit further and suggest that Saratoga needs > to take traffic safety much more seriously across the board. People > like to believe we live in a rural town that doesn't need traffic > controls. Reality is we live in an urban setting, full of cars, and > the community would be better served if traffic safety was properly > planned for and seriously enforced. > Another example, I tried to get a traffic signal considered a few > years back at Verde Vista Lane and Saratoga - Sunnyvale after seeing a > major accident there. This route is used by many to reach Foothill > elementary. (The better option would have been to connect the roads ) properly so the Heriman signal could have been used, but it looks like > housing developers got the best over proper city planning.) Needless > to say I myself experienced an accident there costing $10K. Luckily > nobody was injured. The police officer told me at the time there's an > accident a month at that intersection. > In my opinion the limited government and "real estate" driven revenue > and operating model (e.g. sell city land to raise monies, ignore > proper road planning so a developer can sell another multimillion > dollar house, etc.) doesn't work well when it comes to building and > maintaining quality communities. Revitalizing the village is a step in the right direction. > That's why I like what SVDC is doing. Making the village safe, even > for 8 year olds, seems like a prerequisite to any revitalization > plans. Making the rest of Saratoga roads safe would also be nice. > Thanks, > Bob McMahon » <<< Forwarded by sbdc @listsite.com (Message #827) »> <<< Forwarded » by sbdc @listsite.com (Message #823) »> » In some countries, pedestrian crosswalks have small spotlights » mounted on poles at the sidewalk that give extra illumination to the » crosswalk. I have been thinking for some time they would be very » helpful. The problem is especially bad on winter nights when diners » are crossing at Fourth St. » wearing dark overcoats etc. Several times I have been driving and » seen people only at the last minute. I checked today, and all » crosswalks have light poles close to them, so installing these extra » spotlights should be relatively easy. » Cliff Reader » 408 867 4884 Home - office » 408 857 0209 Mobile >> cliffreader Skype <mailto:cliff @reader.com> cliff @reader.com >> <http: / /www.reader.com/> www.reader.com >> From: kk2king @comcast.net [mailto:kk2king @comcast.net] >> Sent: Thursday, September 28, 200610:26 PM >> To: sbdc @listsite.com >> Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk >> Dear Friends, >> Gary at Saratoga Barbers would be interested in seeing a "knock down >> pedestrian" sign in the cross walk in front of the Buy and Save area, >> similar to the one at the Oak Street crossing. They are used to slow >> traffic down. I noticed Willow Glen had quite a few down their main >> street of Lincoln. Any feedback? They are probably a great safety >> measure. We can ask the Public Safety Committee to evaluate the - request. >> Kathleen >> -------------------------------------------------------- >> - - - -- Saratoga Village Development Council (SVDC) - - - - -- >> - - -- Post messages to list using sbdc @listsite.com - - -- >> - -- Questions: Brian Berg, bberg @bswd.com, 741.5010 - -- >> -- Meetings: 2nd and Last Tue. of the Month, 8:30am - -- >> - International Coffee Exchange, 14471 Big Basin Way -- >> - -- Village Banner: www.bswd.com/SaratogaBanner.pdf - -- - - - - - -- Saratoga @ 50 site: www.saratoga50.org -- - - - - -- >> --------------------------------------------------- - - - - -- 3 Page 1 of 4 Kristin Borel From: Dave Anderson Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 5:49 PM To: John Cherbone Subject: FW: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk Another on the same thread From: chuck_sch @hotmail.com [mailto:chuck_sch @hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, October 01, 2006 7:45 AM To: kk2king @comcast.net; omcmahon @dmcmahon.com; sbdc @listsite.com Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk Hello All, Perhaps the "knock- down" signs at crosswalks through the Village might serve a dual purpose: 1. to provide greater awareness of a crosswalk on the part of drivers of vehicles; 2. provide greater awareness on the part of jaywalkers that a crosswalk exists for their benefit and safety. The problem of jaywalkers crossing this busy Village street in between crosswalks is becoming an acute problem - an accident just waiting to happen, many times during each day. I have witnessed several near misses as careless or arrogant people on foot believe that they have the right -of -way the minute they step off the curb anywhere along the street. This problem becomes even more severe during the evening hours, especiallly with the dark clothing worn by people going to or from the various restauraunts. My two cents, folks! Chuck Schoppe C From: kk2king @comcast.net Reply -To: kk2king@comcast.net To: <dmcrnahon @rjmcmahon.com >, <sbdc @Astsite.com> Subject: [SVDC] 'knock down "pedestrian sign in the crosswalk I Date: Saar 30 Sep 200613:52:32 -0700 <<< Forwarded by sbdc @listsite.com (Message #829) >>> We did do a major study again last year of Verde Vista to see if it warrants a light and when the study was completed the results were that it wasn't warranted. The state frowns heavily on a city that puts in a light where the data does not warrant it. We are putting in the lighted sidewalk at the Oak Street crossing that goes across Saratoga -Los Gatos Road. The lighted sidewalk cost $120- 150,000. We received a "Safe r Route for Kids" grant to cover $160,000 of it. The work should be starting up again soon. C I agree with you about slowing the traffic in the Village. On Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos the speed limit is 15 mph. The slower speed limit is deffinitely safer. We do have $50,000 in our public safety fund and this could be used anywhere in the city. We try to keep it replenished for any major traffic safety issues in the city. Kathleen -- Original Message - - - -- From: <dmcmahon @dmcmahon.com> To: <sbdc @listsite.com> ! Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006 10:00 PM Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk i j j ><<< Forwarded by sbdc @listsite.com (Message #828) >>> E >Hi, Z > 4 >I believe Foothill college has crosswalks which illuminate when >pedistrians >enter. It seems to work well there. >I agree that something needs to be done and it's dissapointing to 10/3/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: John Cherbone Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 12:29 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: FW: [SVDC] Good NEWS re: Knock -down From: Kathleen King [mailto:kk2king @comcast.net] Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 9:40 PM To: John Cherbone Subject: Fw: [SVDC] Good NEWS re: Knock -down FYI - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: babaa bergsoftware.com To: SVDC Listserver Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 3:18 PM Subject: [SVDC] Good NEWS re: Knock -down Great. In my opinion, they are needed at 5 locations on BBW: by Blaney Plaza, and at 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th St. I think one used to be at 3rd and Oak St. by Saratoga School since there is a footing glued onto the crosswalk there. However, the left turners from 3rd onto Oak probably drove over it too many times for it to stay in place. Thanks, Brian Berg - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: maril n. march ettia comcast.net To: 'SVDC List' Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 3:09 PM Subject: [SVDC] Good NEWS re: Knock -down I just spoke to John Cherbone and he has informed me that he will be doing an intense study on pedestrian safety in the Village. He also will put up two knock -downs very soon, to make drivers more conscious of pedestrians. So... you may see them up in the next few days. Marilyn 10/3/2006 Page 1 of 3 Kristin Borel From: Dave Anderson Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 5:49 PM To: John Cherbone Subject: FW: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk FYI again, same topic From: brianberg @gmail.com [mailto:brianberg @gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, October 01, 2006 11:03 AM To: SVDC List Subject: [SVDC] "knock down" pedestrian sign in the cross walk I heartily agree. I myself have nearly hit people jay - walking on BBW just east of 3rd Street, just after I turned onto BBW from 3rd St. This is a turn that I always make carefully in order to be aware of cars from 2 directions and pedestrians on each of 3 corners. The last thing I need is a pedestrian starting from a 4th location. Indeed, jaywalking near intersections poses the greatest danger. On another topic, I think we have all seen people make U -turns on BBW without any thought to the danger they pose, or whether they are holding up traffic with what is sometimes a 4 -point turn. Add a jaywalker to that mix for some real trouble. We'll probably always have U- turners due to the logistics of getting around the Village, but the knock -down markers would likely lessen their number since they *MIGHT* reconsider their move if they had to drive over a knock -down sign to make their illegal move. Brian Berg p.s. A point of etiquette for use of this list. It's easy to do a group reply in order for the whole list to see your reply to a posting. However, unless you edit the list of recipients, one person will receive 2 copies of your message. If someone does a group reply to THAT message, two people will receive 2 copies of your message, and so on. Please take the time to remove extra addresses from your To and Cc list before such a reply. Thank you. On 10/1/06, cbuck_sch a,hotmail.com <chuck_schQhotmail.com> wrote: Hello All, Perhaps the "knock- down" signs at crosswalks through the Village might serve a dual purpose: 1. to provide greater awareness of a crosswalk on the part of drivers of vehicles; 2. provide greater awareness on the part of jaywalkers that a crosswalk exists for their benefit and safety. The problem of jaywalkers crossing this busy Village street in between crosswalks is becoming an acute problem - an accident just waiting to happen, many times during each day. I have witnessed several near misses as careless or arrogant people on foot believe that they have the right -of -way the minute they step off the curb anywhere along the street. This problem becomes even more severe during the evening hours, especiallly with the dark clothing worn by people going to or from the various restauraunts. 10/3/2006 Page 1 of 2 Kristin Borel From: John Cherbone Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 12:33 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: FW: (no subject) From: Kathleen King [mailto:kk2king @comcast.net] Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 11:39 PM To: MASEK @aol.com Cc: John Cherbone; Terrence.Calderone @sho.co.santa- clara.ca.us Subject: Re: (no subject) Dear Joseph, I will try to answer these as best I can and I hope that John can copy you. See my answers in bold Kathleen - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: MASEK . aol.com To: KK2KING(aDCOMCAST.NET Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 4:06 PM Subject: (no subject) Dear Kathy King It seems that every election year and (in between) all old sleeping problems in the Village (as well as new demands on the City Administration.)come up to air and seek help, and yet no one seems to know where to get the funds to provide what every one wants. Lot of talk is going on about Big Basin Way and the pedestrians. If I may , I should like to drop of some my observations and ideas to maybe, just maybe, help the City to provide some inexpensive solutions to solve the problem. City should set up their mobile "your speed is" signs at the top of Big Basin Way at 6 th. We did put in the budget for two more of these signs but they are needed on Pierce Road for now. My second choice is Highway 9 to slow down the speeders. I think we have been patroling the Village a lot lately. I will copy Captain Calderone to also comment. street and use the services of the Sheriffs patrol to cite these who are in a hurry to get to their destination. In regards to there lighting of crosswalks, I have made some suggestions to some of the previous councils of our fine city, but it was not done. The lighting of the crosswalks is roughly $160,000 each, very expensive. Each crosswalk in the village has city lights installed on the sidewalks, an it should inexpensive to use the lamp posts to install on both side of the street, "theater" flood lights aimed at each and every crosswalk.The lamp post are already wired for power, so no other additional wiring would be required. Good point, I will have to check into it. "Sidewalks" It is known that the State of California provided the City with some funds to repair the side walks. The City opted to "grind down" the high spots, which however left the sidewalks in a dangerous state. We are hoping to get another grant and do the sidewalks with all improvements at one time, wiring, water requirements, etc. 10/3/2006 Page 2 of 2 "City's Signs" This refers to the poor sigh sign located ate Hwy 85. First it is hardly visible , being dark brown paint with dark yellow lettering. I believe the Heritage Commission decided on the signs.Second although it point to the Village, it does not tell any one that the village provides "Lodging" "Dining" "Shopping" and wineries. I like this idea. I think that high - lighting what is available in the Village would be of great benefit to all of us, not only doing business here,but also living here . I am not sure about the high lighting. Thanks Joseph, for your ideas and a few we can look into right away. Amicably, Joseph C. Masek La Mere Michelle 10/3/2006 Kristin Borel From: properkaiser @comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 8:50 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: Donna Paisley; Karen Krall; Bill Boller; Susan Bancroft Subject: Postpone the Three Oaks Way Agenda Item Wording Attachments: Postpone the Three Oaks Way Agenda Item Wording 0 Postpone the Three Oaks Way... Hi Kristin, cc: Three Oaks Way and Three Oaks Court Residents I have yet to get the data from the Three Oaks Way pre and post speed lump traffic monitoring devices. I would like to postpone the Three Oaks Way Agenda Item as indicated on the November 9th Traffic Safety Commission agenda. Please move the agenda item to the Feb. 2007meeting. The reason for the change is: • Data was not provided as of Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006. This will not provide enough time to properly analyze the data. We want to make sure we make a data based decision. • A couple of the residents on Three Oaks Way will be leaving for a • weekend out of town given the Veterans Day holiday and would not be able to attend the meeting. These are two of the residents who have pursued safe driving measures on Three Oaks Way for several years. Thank you. Best Regards, Pam -------- - - - - -- Original message ---------------- - - - - -- From: "Kristin Borel" <kborel @saratoga.ca.us> > Hi All, > I have attached the Agenda for the Traffic Safety Commission Meeting > to be held on Thursday, November 9th starting at 6:30 pm in the > Multi- Purpose room in the Community Center at 19655 Allendale Avenue. > Sincerely, > Kristin Borel Page 1 of 3 Kristin Borel � e 2 - P1 e- y-6 e From: Coleen Wagner [irishcoleen @comcast.net] Sent: Monday, November 06, 2006 10:33 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: Antoinette Romeo; Julie Daniel Subject: RE: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Kristin, I would like to support everything that Antoinette said below. Those are my observations as well. I will be at the meeting but would appreciate it if you would forward this on to the commissioners and the Traffic Engineer and City Engineer. Thanks! Coleen Wagner - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Antoinette Romeo [ma i Ito: Antoinette. Romeo@ PRK. SCCGOV.ORG] Sent: Monday, November 06, 2006 9:55 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Kristin, Since my father has been ill, and is in hospital (hopefully coming home this week), I will not be attending the meeting on Thursday. However, I would like to let you know what I have observed regarding traffic speeds since the new speed lumps have been installed. As most cars have gotten used to the lumps, few slow down to go over them. Some actually speed up as they approach the lump and seem to enjoy the "lift" they get as they go over. The only vehicles I, have observed slowing before going over the lumps have been the large horse trailers. Many of the cars seem to aim for the gap and don't approach the lumps head on. This seems to be the majority, so I don't know if the "gaps" can be adjusted to prevent this perhaps by moving them towards the middle of the lanes. I have driven over the lumps and find that even at 30 - 35 mph, the lumps feel like a small heave cause by a tree root rather than a deterrent to speeding. They certainly do not seem to have slowed the speeds down very much, and vehicles still accelerate as they approach and leave the lumps. I know that the City was planning on doing a follow -up traffic study, and I'd like to know when this is scheduled. I'd also like to know when the median strip is to be installed and assume that the traffic survey will be conducted after that. I also hope that one of the survey lines can be placed by my property to more accurately assess the speed of traffic as they come from the intersection. I do appreciate the continued support of the Traffic Safety Commission and all the work you have done to resolve this issue. 11/9/2006 Page 2 of 3 Antoinette Romeo - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Kristin Borel [mailto:kborel @saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Monday, November 06, 2006 8:21 AM To: Julie Daniel; Antoinette Romeo; Nancy Walb; Coleen Wagner; Viresh; Yacoub EI -Ziq; Padma Srinivas; David Trager; Lynn Weber; Amanda McCollum; Kristy Pierce Subject: RE: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Julie, Anyone who wants to speak on this topic can speak for 3 minutes when the item is opened for public comment. I wanted to make sure that people know this. Kristin From: Julie Daniel [mailto:julie @matrixcable.com] Sent: Friday, November 03, 2006 8:17 AM To: Antoinette Romeo; Nancy Walb; Coleen Wagner; Viresh; Yacoub EI -Ziq; Padma Srinivas; David Trager; Lynn Weber; Amanda McCollum; Kristy Pierce Cc: Kristin Borel Subject: Fw: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Hello Neighbors, I received this from Kristin Borel. I was not sure if any of you did too. I did review the agenda and we are included as old business. The Traffic Safety Commission will be discussing the current speed lumps and reviewing new data. I will be attending this meeting. If you have any concerns or comments at this point please send them to Kristin in an email. You can address the TSC and Public Works director through her. Because we are on the agenda we may not address the commission directly at the meeting. An email will be an effective way to communicate with the commission. Take care, Julie - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: Kristin Borel To: Kristin Borel Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 1:08 PM Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Hi All, I have attached the Agenda for the Traffic Safety Commission Meeting to be held on Thursday, November 9th starting at 6:30 pm in the Multi- Purpose room in the Community Center at 19655 Allendale Avenue. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 11/9/2006 Kristin Borel —a fAz I 2. From: Nancy Walb [nancyjow @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 1:55 PM To: Antoinette Romeo; Coleen Wagner; Julie Daniel; David Trager; Lynn Weber Cc: Kristin Borel Subject: Re: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Hi Kristin; Page 1 of 3 We feel that the speed limit violators taking advantage of the moderate "lumps" are not strangers to the Road. After a few trips the lumps become a nuisance and not a deterrent as originally intended. Two possible solutions: 1): raise the height of the lumps 2) install another set of lumps closer to Sunnyvale Saratoga Rd. We would welcome the 3rd set and I believe the Romeo's are in agreement with that. . Thank you for your help and communications in this matter. Sincerely, Nancy & Dave Walb - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: Antoinette Romeo To: Nancy Walb; Coleen Wagner; Julie Daniel ; David Trager; Lynn Weber Sent: Monday, November 06, 2006 1:58 PM Subject: FW: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting FYI - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Kristin Borel [mailto:kborel @saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Monday, November 06, 2006 12:03 PM To: Antoinette Romeo Subject: RE: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Antoinette, Thanks for your input. The temporary median is going in today, and we are going to do some initial speed study this week. With the paving and the striping, this was the only time we could schedule it before the meeting. Speeds in front of your house will be assessed after the new intersection is finished and we can compare the data with our initial measurement. I hope to see you Thursday. Sincerely, Kristin From: Antoinette Romeo [ma i Ito: Antoinette. Romeo @PRK.SCCGOV.ORG] 11/9/2006 Page 2 of 3 Sent: Monday, November 06, 2006 9:55 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Kristin, Since my father has been ill, and is in hospital (hopefully coming home this week), I will not be attending the meeting on Thursday. However, I would like to let you know what I have observed regarding traffic speeds since the new speed lumps have been installed. As most cars have gotten used to the lumps, few slow down to go over them. Some actually speed up as they approach the lump and seem to enjoy the "lift" they get as they go over. The only vehicles I have observed slowing before going over the lumps have been the large horse trailers. Many of the cars seem to aim for the gap and don't approach the lumps head on. This seems to be the majority, so I don't know if the "gaps" can be adjusted to prevent this perhaps by moving them towards the middle of the lanes. I have driven over the lumps and find that even at 30 - 35 mph, the lumps feel like a small heave cause by a tree root rather than a deterrent to speeding. They certainly do not seem to have slowed the speeds down very much, and vehicles still accelerate as they approach and leave the lumps. I know that the City was planning on doing a follow -up traffic study, and I'd like to know when this is scheduled. I'd also like to know when the median strip is to be installed and assume that the traffic survey will be conducted after that. I also hope that one of the survey lines can be placed by my property to more accurately assess the speed of traffic as they come from the intersection. I do appreciate the continued support of the Traffic Safety Commission and all the work you have done to resolve this issue. Antoinette Romeo - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Kristin Borel [mailto:kborel @saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Monday, November 06, 2006 8:21 AM To: Julie Daniel; Antoinette Romeo; Nancy Walb; Coleen Wagner; Viresh; Yacoub EI -Ziq; Padma Srinivas; David Trager; Lynn Weber; Amanda McCollum; Kristy Pierce Subject: RE: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Julie, Anyone who wants to speak on this topic can speak for 3 minutes when the item is opened for public comment. I wanted to make sure that people know this. Kristin From: Julie Daniel [mailto:julie @matrixcable.com] Sent: Friday, November 03, 2006 8:17 AM To: Antoinette Romeo; Nancy Walb; Coleen Wagner; Viresh; Yacoub EI -Ziq; Padma Srinivas; David Trager; Lynn Weber; Amanda McCollum; Kristy Pierce Cc: Kristin Borel 11/9/2006 Kristin Borel From: Dorothy Terrill [dotterrill @comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 11:12 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road resident Hi Kristin: Page 1 of 1 I have written you before re. the speed bumps on Pierce Road. We live at 13277 Pierce Road near the Surrey intersection. I am very happy with the existing speed bumps on Pierce Road. I would like to see similar bumps on the section of Pierce Road where we live. Unfortunately, we are not able to attend the meeting tomorrow night but I want to register my opinion. Thanks for continuing to work on the traffic problems, specifically speeding, on Pierce Road. Dorothy Terrill 11/9/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Mike [sheehanmikel @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 10:27 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Ranfre /Saratoga Intersection.. Hi Kristen: I would like to voice support to the Ranfre /Saratoga Avenue intersection solution. Presently this is a dangerous place to cross to Saratoga Avenue. I have witnessed problem's several times with car's swerving to avoid a collision with a car merging from Ranfre to Saratoga. With all the traffic now especially with West Valley College students J am very supportive and requesting a safety review with the implementation of a left turnout lane to safely merge onto Saratoga Avenue. Thanks for your consideration. Mike Sheehan We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups. 11/9/2006 Kristin Borel From: Michiko Kelly [michikokelly @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 7:15 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. J- M +" )2an7 rC. Hi, Christin, My name is Michiko Kelly, and I live on 13693 Ronnie Way. Several years ago, The greenery in the median on Saratoga Ave. between 85 and Ranfre were so high, I could not see the cars coming. There were many close calls when I made left turn from Ranfre to Saratoga Ave. I went to talk to the Corporate Yard many times, and asked them to trim the greenery. They are so much better now. I still have a lot of difficulty making the left turn from Ranfre to Saratoga Ave. because of heavy traffic. I definitely want the city to put in " No U -turn " sign on Saratoga Ave. left turn lane. at Ranfre. I had many close calls with the cars making u turns there. I am not quite sure exactly what would be done, but I do not want a traffic light. Something else that will make the left turn easier. Thank you for your cooperation, and a good day, Michiko We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups (http: / /groups.yahoo.com) Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borelrn From: Nanjf @aol.com Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 11:15 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: pcvita @comcast.net Subject: Intersection danger Dear Ms. Borel, I'm writing to support the neighbors who are requesting that the intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Ranfre be improved. It is a disaster, safety -wise. I live on Ronnie Way and I have four children under ten years old. I have had many near - collisions as I try to make a left turn from Ranfre to Saratoga Ave. Either the cars coming one way on Saratoga nearly hit my front end, or the cars coming the other way on Saratoga nearly hit my back end. The driver on Saratoga Avenue are aggressive and they don't seem to notice the need to slow down when a car is in "trouble" in the intersection. I would think that the great number of senior citizens in our neighborhood would also had much difficulty navigating that intersection, with all the commuters rushing to Highway 85 and all the students rushing to West Valley College. I'm wondering which of our residents needs to get killed (seriously) before a turning lane or traffic signal is installed. Please don't wait for such a tragedy to find the funds to make this happen. What is government for, if not for protecting citizens? Even pro - government citizens like myself will turn jaded and anti - government if we don't see you serving our needs - -in this case, a very small, do -able project. We're not asking for a million - dollar bailout here. We just want to keep our families safe. Let's get going on this, please. Is it really so much to ask that this be corrected as soon as possible? We pay too much in taxes (especially newer residents like myself) to settle for no action. Thank you, Nanette Fondas 13669 Ronnie Way Saratoga, CA 95070 11/9/2006 Message Kristin Borel Page 1 of 2 -:n Q m + - From: Mimi Frazer Mather [mathermk @earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 1:12 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: 'Paul & Corinne Vita'; matherdr @earthlink.net; brige26 @hotmail.com Subject: Left Turn from Ranfre Lane to Saratoga Avenue - " Safe Access- Required" Dear Saratoga Public Works Personnel; I know that you have a lot of projects on "To -Do" list but the safe left hand turn from Ranfre Lane onto Saratoga Avenue needs to be at the top of your list because of the extremely high volume of traffic and the high number of lights between Fruitvale and HWY 85. How many people drive up and down Saratoga Avenue in this section of road? Are there any projects that impact MORE residents and drivers? This intersection is a BAD accident waiting to happen. How can we get this median improvement project to the top of your list for immediate improvement? Not only do approximately 500 residents in the immediate area and a large number of West Valley College students, teachers and administrators utilize this access. It is currently VERY DANGEROUS for four reasons: 1) it is difficult just to get out into the intersection because of the pure VOLUME of cars and the high number of lights; 2) most of the time our van's back -end is always hanging out as one tries to merge into the flow of traffic; 3) the forced left turn lane requires that one has to "get over to the right lane quickly" in order to proceed on Saratoga Avenue toward HWY 9. 4) drivers get angry when you try to merge into the right lane because they do NOT realize that you have just entered Saratoga Avenue at Ranfre Lane and they "cut you off' and /or take more aggressive measures. Again, we ask are there any projects that impact MORE residents and drivers? This intersection is a BAD accident waiting to happen. How can we get this project to the top of your list for immediate improvement? Please let us know how we can help. Regards, Mimi & David Mather 13519 Ronnie Way 408 - 741 -5111 11/9/2006 Kristin Borel ' r —r1-) �' ��r�fre- From: Mary Lynn [maryandbill @comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 9:29 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Ranfre Lane /Saratoga Avenue Intersection - Meeting 11/9/2006 Dear Ms. Borel: It may not be possible for us to attend this meeting on 11/9/06. Therefore, we are writing to strongly request remodeling the intersection so that there is ample space to move autos to the center of Saratoga Avenue when making a Left -hand turn on Saratoga Avenue and then safely waiting to get into the line of traffice going towards the village. We appreciate the serious safety consideration being given to doing this for us. Thank you. Sincerely, Wm. E. &t MaryL. Hotaling 19305 Ranfre Lane Tel. 408.867.0903 Saratoga, CA 95070 Kristin Borel From: DBatt2002 @aol.com Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 3:06 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Traffic safety meeting Page 1 of 1 :-} 4zrYl +- P-n- n-�rr(L Hello Kristen. I am sending this message as it is beginning to look like I may not be able to attend the Thursday meeting after all. I support the efforts of my neighbors to do something about the traffic problem at Saratoga and Ranfre. It is really a dangerous spot . I have lived here since 1961, and it just gets worse. What the general consensus of my neighbors' solution to this problem will be fine with me. We seem to have too much traffic and sometimes ruder, it seems , drivers. An issue I would like to raise when this one is concluded, is the too fast and unyielding traffic at Ranfre and Ronnie Way and also at Ronnie Way and Wendy Lane. My corner has been hit by speeders who couldn't make the turn,; five times in not so recent years, ripping out chunks of an old stand of juniper in my yard & many heartstopping near misses. Thank you for your attention. Dolorez M. Battaglia 13636 Ronnie Way (at Wendy Lane) 408 - 867 -4713 11/8/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel �T�f'�1 `� " R cln�e From: Melanie Guzzo [melanieringler @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 12:24 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: Corinne Vita Subject: Intersection safety Ranfre & Saratoga Hi Kristin, As a Wendy Lane resident I use Ranfre to access Saratoga Ave. every day. My kids go to Saratoga Elementary, so I'm making a left onto Saratoga at least twice a weekday. It's especially tough to make it over both lanes in the morning and afternoon due to the volume of traffic from the schools and the college. Given the current intersection configuration, I cross to the median, and wait till I can merge into the next lane... but that is quite dangerous. I drive a Suburban, and it's a very tight fit. It's also quite frustrating that people don't respect the "Keep Clear" road markers, and sometimes make it difficult to merge to the far right lane to continue past Fruitvale. It's my understanding that a left turn merge lane for the median has already been approved, and that at this point needs to be implemented. There are many families with young children that approach this intersection just as I do! I believe immediate implementation of the left turn merge lane is essential. I'm unable to attend Thursday's meeting, so please consider this my full support of immediate implementation of a left turn lane. Best Regards, Melanie Guzzo 13505 Wendy Lane 11/9/2006 Traffic and safety concern on Austin Way Kristin Borel From: Jeffrey Tang [tang @broadcom.com] Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 4:12 PM To: Kristin Bore[ Pagel of 3 Subject: RE: Traffic and safety concern on Austin Way. Hi Kristin, Thanks for the time to spend on the phone conversation with me. I would like to add few points for discussion. - Austin way is a quite narrow street with two way traffic. The road condition was very poor outside of the brick surface. In order to avoid big truck from other side, quite often we need to drive the car off the brick road which is very bad condition. - The brick road generates very loud noise if car driving over 20MPH. - We should also attempt to reduce traffic to preserve the Heritage lane. I have few recommendations - Block Austin way access close to the intersection of Austin and Bainter Rd, only to allow pedestrian and bicycle access, similar to the end of Crisp Ave. This section (from Bountiful Acres to Bainter Ave) is the main part of Heritage lane, and there is no need to access this section except the residence on this section. If we can do this, we can reduce traffic on this part of Heritage lane dramatically to preserve the condition of main part of heritage lane. (see chart in below) And /Or - Reduce the speed limit from existing 25MPH to 15MPH to reduce the traffic noise generated from the brick road, and to reduce the damage to the heritage lane. - Add speed lumps right before entering the brick road on both side of Austin way, and on Bainter. My family are really appreciated for your help. Regards, 0 From: Kristin Borel [mailto:kborel @saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 3:49 PM 11/6/2006 f� FF..IIR& 111-1-RS TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS MEMORANDUM Date: November 7, 2006 To: John Cherbone, City of Saratoga Public Works Director From: Sohrab Rashid /Franziska Holtzman Subject: Pierce Road - Upper Pierce Road Traffic Evaluation 1025 -446 -1 Fehr & Peers has completed a traffic evaluation of Pierce Road from State Route (SR) 9 /Big Basin Way to Comer Lane. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine the need for traffic management measures to address existing speeding or operational issues in the corridor. This memorandum summarizes our findings and recommendations. BACKGROUND Over the past year, the City of Saratoga has completed a comprehensive review of traffic speeds and volumes on Pierce Road from near Comer Lane to Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road (referred to "Lower Pierce "). The study was initiated based on numerous resident complaints of speeding along the "straight' section of Lower Pierce. Speed survey data supported the installation of devices to reduce vehicle speeds and the potential for conflicts between vehicles and bicyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians. Speed lumps were initially installed on a temporary basis and the City Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) recently installed permanent devices after extensive public outreach -and- review — Residents -of -P -fierce -Road- south- of _Comer_Lane- (referred__to_.as- Upper_._____ Pierce ") also requested an evaluation of the remaining section of the street to address similar concerns with excessive vehicle speeds and operational problems within the corridor. The TSC considers several factors when evaluating the need for traffic calming measures, especially the installation of vertical or horizontal measures to slow vehicles. These factors include collision data, roadway design, the location of front -on housing, and the presence of bicyclists and pedestrians. The evaluation of Upper Pierce Road based on this information is presented below. EXISTING CONDITIONS Pierce Road is a collector street linking SR 9 to Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road. This roadway includes one lane in each direction with no separate turn pockets at any of the cross - street intersections or driveways. The posted speed limit is 30 mph between Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road and Surrey Lane, while the posted limit is 25 mph south of Surrey Lane. The majority of front -on housing is located on Lower Pierce; however, the driveways of numerous homes access Upper Pierce Road directly. The widths of the travel lanes generally vary from 10 to 12 feet with shoulders on some sections. In some areas, no shoulders are provided, and in some cases, overhanging branches force overheight vehicles to encroach into the opposing travel lane. The narrow travel lanes do not provide adequate width for bicyclists and pedestrians who must share the roadway with vehicles. Signs at both ends of the study section indicate the presence of non - automobile traffic to drivers. 160 West Santa Clara Street, #675, San Jose CA 95113 (408) 278 -1700 Fax (408) 278 -1717 www.fehrandpeers.com John Cherbone November 7, 2006 Page 2of3 F1'I-II,, & FFERS tpAN Sf'OATAt10N CONSUtTAN:Y However, anecdotal evidence from residents indicates that numerous vehicles travel excessively fast through sections of Upper Pierce and that several areas are prone to periodic vehicle collisions. During our observations, both bicyclists and pedestrians were observed in or immediately adjacent to the roadway. Vehicle Speeds Speed survey data was collected at the five locations on Upper Pierce. Speed data was obtained for all vehicles on the road and was used to calculate the average speed and 85th percentile speeds in both directions. The 85`h percentile speed is the speed at or below 85 percent of vehicles are traveling and is a standard engineering threshold. Speed data are presented in Table 1. Table 1 Upp er Pierce Road Speed Surve s Speed 85 Difference from Location Limit Direction . Percentile Speed Limit Speed NB 35.6 +5.6 Houston Ct to Bella Vina 30 SB 35.1 +5.1 NB 31.8 +6.8 Surrey n to Old Oak W y y 25 SB 30.6 +5.6 NB 36.0 +11.0 Pike Rd to Via Regina g 25 SB 34.0 +9.0 — NB-- - -36.7 -------+11-..7- -- Mt. Eden Rd to Saratoga Hts Rd g SB 35.3 +10.3 25 NB 35.1 +10.1 Saratoga Hts Road to SR 9 g 25 SB 36.0 +11.0 The City has typically required that the 85th percentile speed exceeds the posted limit by more than seven (7) miles per hour before the Traffic Safety Commission will consider most traffic calming measures for implementation. Based on this criterion, the three study sections south of Pike Road include excessive speeding based on the posted limit. Reported Collision History Residents have indicated that numerous collisions have occurred at various locations along Upper Pierce Road. A review of reported collision data from the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office indicates that a total of 95 collisions were reported between 1999 and 2005. While these incidents were distributed along the corridor, three locations were identified as "hot spots' with more than three collisions in approximately the same area. Over 20 collisions have occurred on the stretch of roadway from near Old Oak Way to south of Sarahills Road including the bridge over Calabazas Creek. The primary collision factor (PCF) for nearly half of these accidents was unsafe speed, while several other collisions were caused by crossing the centerline or making an unsafe turn. Observations of traveling vehicles indicate that some drivers approach the narrow road near Old Oak Way and sharp curves in the road at the bridge too fast. Invariably, vehicles cross the centerline as they try- tornaintairi an excessive speed. John Cherbone November 7, 2006 Page 3 of 3 .f? F &. FFIR I NANSPOAIAI ION (ONSUIIAN IS The second collision "hot spot' is the length of road from north of Pike Road to just south of Via Regina. The PCF for five (5) of the 13 collisions in this area was unsafe speed, while the remaining causes included driving over the centerline, making an unsafe turn, and driving under the influence. The last location with notable collision frequency is the "S curve" located near Masson Court with four incidents over the study period. Two of the four collisions had unsafe speed as the PCF, and the cause of the two remaining incidents was driving over the centerline. RECOMMENDED MODIFICATIONS To address the excessive travel speeds and the higher than desirable collision frequency, we recommend improved signing and striping to better notify drivers of changing roadway conditions and the need to drive at a speed that is appropriate for the road conditions. We do not recommend installation of any physical measures at this time. The purpose of most measures is to narrow the roadway and make the travel path non - linear (i.e., curved). Upper Pierce Road is already narrow in many places and the road is curved. We do not recommend the installation of speed humps on this roadway since drivers do not normally anticipate that type of device,. Based on the speed survey data and collision data, we recommend the following: • Installation of yellow centerline reflectors and white shoulder reflectors from approximately 100 feet north of Old Oak Way to 250 feet south of Sarahills Drive • Replacement of signage approaching the Calabazas Creek bridge to indicate the actual road alignment and the intersecting streets • Posting of new 20 MPH advisory speed signs approaching the bridge • Installation of new signs indicating the Via Regina intersection and posting 25 MPH advisory speed signs with "SLOW" placards • Installation of yellow centerline reflectors and white shoulder reflectors from approximately 100 feet north of Pike Road to 200 feet south of Via Regina • Installation of yellow centerline reflectors and white shoulder reflectors for approximately 100 feet in advance of both approaches to the S -curve near Masson Court • Prune trees directly over the roadway that are less than 15 feet above the roadway • An intensive directed enforcement campaign by the Sheriffs Department to educate drivers on the need to drive at a prudent and reasonable speed. Three months after installation, we recommend conducting speed surveys to determine the effectiveness of the proposed modifications. Based on those findings, the TSC may consider additional measures to further reduce travel speeds. These measures may include additional signage, radar feedback signs, and other traffic calming devices. d 2006: Upper Pierce- Road Spee Speed in miles.per hour ' Northboundt Southbound 1 Surveys Foothill ne comer Rd Houston Ct Bella Viva Ct... 35..6 / 35.1 ...30 mp o, ''• aoa�w 25 mph c v dy 0 m Qua Suer ey `ano (n �R 31.8 / 3.6 3, / 35..3 �a . CD a i �r d I I: 0 as f0 9dy`°�9 I U hfs'Qa 4 35A./36 , 0 .::........................... FzOad SS C104 s 9t S� Upper Pierce Road Collision Hot Spots Data from 1999 through 2006 Three Primary Causes for Collisions: • Unsafe speed O'a�a -Driving into oncoming lane -Unsafe turns and /or without Quar�,R signaling � d Sd�af a °9a a, i as / a' l . Foothill Lone co` mrer Rd Bella Vina Ct 18urrejy, _f ills 'Dr Houston Ct s5 Sp���gs 9 t G °�gte SV- iv 0 in c CL Key: O Install: Mirror 1*1 Install signage indicating road intersection Post 25 MPH speed signs FIR 'Replace signage approaching Calabazas 'Creek bridge to indicate actual road alignment Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel _ fi-r__M From: Nanjf @aol.com Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 11:15 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: pcvita @comcast.net Subject: Intersection danger Dear Ms. Borel, I'm writing to support the neighbors who are requesting that the intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Ranfre be improved. It is a disaster, safety -wise. I live on Ronnie Way and I have four children under ten years old. I have had many near - collisions as I try to make a left turn from Ranfre to Saratoga Ave. Either the cars coming one way on Saratoga nearly hit my front end, or the cars coming the other way on Saratoga nearly hit my back end. The driver on Saratoga Avenue are aggressive and they don't seem to notice the need to slow down when a car is in "trouble" in the intersection. I would think that the great number of senior citizens in our neighborhood would also had much difficulty navigating that intersection, with all the commuters rushing to Highway 85 and all the students rushing to West Valley College. I'm wondering which of our residents needs to get killed (seriously) before a turning lane or traffic signal is installed. Please don't wait for such a tragedy to find the funds to make this happen. What is government for, if not for protecting citizens? Even pro - government citizens like myself will turn jaded and anti - government if we don't see you serving our needs - -in this case, a very small, do -able project. We're not asking for a million - dollar bailout here. We just want to keep our families safe. Let's get going on this, please. Is it really so much to ask that this be corrected as soon as possible? We pay too much in taxes (especially newer residents like myself) to settle for no action. Thank you, Nanette Fondas 13669 Ronnie Way Saratoga, CA 95070 11/9/2006 Message Kristin Borel Page 1 of 2 From: Mimi Frazer Mather [mathermk @earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 1:12 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: 'Paul & Corinne Vita'; matherdr @earthlink.net; brige26 @hotmail.com Subject: Left Turn from Ranfre Lane to Saratoga Avenue- " Safe Access- Required" Dear Saratoga Public Works Personnel; I know that you have a lot of projects on "To -Do" list but the safe left hand turn from Ranfre Lane onto Saratoga Avenue needs to be at the top of your list because of the extremely high volume of traffic and the high number of lights between Fruitvale and HWY 85. How many people drive up and down Saratoga Avenue in this section of road? Are there any projects that impact MORE residents and drivers? This intersection is a BAD accident waiting to happen. How can we get this median improvement project to the top of your list for immediate improvement? Not only do approximately 500 residents in the immediate area and a large number of West Valley College students, teachers and administrators utilize this access. It is currently VERY DANGEROUS for four reasons: 1) it is difficult just to get out into the intersection because of the pure VOLUME of cars and the high number of lights; 2) most of the time our van's back -end is always hanging out as one tries to merge into the flow of traffic; 3) the forced left turn lane requires that one has to "get over to the right lane quickly" in order to proceed on Saratoga Avenue toward HWY 9. 4) drivers get angry when you try to merge into the right lane because they do NOT realize that you have just entered Saratoga Avenue at Ranfre Lane and they "cut you off' and /or take more aggressive measures. Again, we ask are there any projects that impact MORE residents and drivers? This intersection is a BAD accident waiting to happen. How can we get this project to the top of your list for immediate improvement? Please let us know how we can help. Regards, Mimi & David Mather 13519 Ronnie Way 408 - 741 -5111 11/9/2006 Kristin Borel T cm From: Mary Lynn [maryandbill @comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 9:29 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Ranfre Lane /Saratoga Avenue Intersection - Meeting 11/9/2006 Dear Ms. Borel: It may not be possible for us to attend this meeting on 11/9/06. Therefore, we are writing to strongly request remodeling the intersection so that there is ample space to move autos to the center of Saratoga Avenue when making a Left -hand turn on Saratoga Avenue and then safely waiting to get into the line of traffice going towards the village. We appreciate the serious safety consideration being given to doing this for us. Thank you. Sincerely, Wm. E. & MaryL. Hotaling 19305 Ranfre Lane Tel. 408.867.0903 Saratoga, CA 95070 Kristin Borel From: DBatt2002 @aol.com Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 3:06 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Traffic safety meeting Page 1 of 1 �D,,n +- P-o n-�rc. Hello Kristen. I am sending this message as it is beginning to look like I may not be able to attend the Thursday meeting after all. I support the efforts of my neighbors to do something about the traffic problem at Saratoga and Ranfre. It is really a dangerous spot . I have lived here since 1961, and it just gets worse. What the general consensus of my neighbors' solution to this problem will be fine with me. We seem to have too much traffic and sometimes ruder, it seems , drivers. An issue I would like to raise when this one is concluded, is the too fast and unyielding traffic at Ranfre and Ronnie Way and also at Ronnie Way and Wendy Lane. My corner has been hit by speeders who couldn't make the turn,; five times in not so recent years, ripping out chunks of an old stand of juniper in my yard & many heartstopping near misses. Thank you for your attention. Dolorez M. Battaglia 13636 Ronnie Way (at Wendy Lane) 408 - 867 -4713 11/8/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel - T4e -ry1 Z-� R-c• n'1Y From: Melanie Guzzo [melanieringler @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 12:24 AM To: Kristin Borel Cc: Corinne Vita Subject: Intersection safety Ranfre & Saratoga Hi Kristin, As a Wendy Lane resident I use Ranfre to access Saratoga Ave. every day. My kids go to Saratoga Elementary, so I'm making a left onto Saratoga at least twice a weekday. It's especially tough to make it over both lanes in the morning and afternoon due to the volume of traffic from the schools and the college. Given the current intersection configuration, I cross to the median, and wait till I can merge into the next lane... but that is quite dangerous. I drive a Suburban, and it's a very tight fit. It's also quite frustrating that people don't respect the "Keep Clear" road markers, and sometimes make it difficult to merge to the far right lane to continue past Fruitvale. It's my understanding that a left turn merge lane for the median has already been approved, and that at this point needs to be implemented. There are many families with young children that approach this intersection just as I do! I believe immediate implementation of the left turn merge lane is essential. I'm unable to attend Thursday's meeting, so please consider this my full support of immediate implementation of a left turn lane. Best Regards, Melanie Guzzo 13505 Wendy Lane 11/9/2006 -f FE: tiiZ & 11 [;ERS TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS MEMORANDUM Date: November 7, 2006 To: John Cherbone, City of Saratoga Public Works Director From: Sohrab Rashid /Franziska Holtzman Subject: Pierce Road - Upper Pierce Road Traffic Evaluation 1025 -446 -1 Fehr & Peers has completed a traffic evaluation of Pierce Road from State Route (SR) 9 /Big Basin Way to Comer Lane. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine the need for traffic management measures to address existing speeding or operational issues in the corridor. This memorandum summarizes our findings and recommendations. BACKGROUND Over the past year, the City of Saratoga has completed a comprehensive review of traffic speeds and volumes on Pierce Road from near Comer Lane to Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road (referred to "Lower Pierce "). The study was initiated based on numerous resident complaints of speeding along the "straight" section of Lower Pierce. Speed survey data supported the installation of devices to reduce vehicle speeds and the potential for conflicts between vehicles and bicyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians. Speed lumps were initially installed on a temporary basis and the City Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) recently installed permanent devices after extensive public outreach- and - review:. Residents- of- P -ierce -Road- south- of_Comer_Lane_( referred _- .to_as- Upper..____ Pierce ") also requested an evaluation of the remaining section of the street to address similar concerns with excessive vehicle speeds and operational problems within the corridor. The TSC considers several factors when evaluating the need for traffic calming measures, especially the installation of vertical or horizontal measures to slow vehicles. These factors include collision data, roadway design, the location of front -on housing, and the presence of bicyclists and pedestrians. The evaluation of Upper Pierce Road based on this information is presented below. EXISTING CONDITIONS Pierce Road is a collector street linking SR 9 to Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road. This roadway includes one lane in each direction with no separate turn pockets at any of the cross - street intersections or driveways. The posted speed limit is 30 mph between Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road and Surrey Lane, while the posted limit is 25 mph south of Surrey Lane. The majority of front -on housing is located on Lower Pierce; however, the driveways of numerous homes access Upper Pierce Road directly. The widths of the travel lanes generally vary from 10 to 12 feet with shoulders on some sections. In some areas, no shoulders are provided, and in some cases, overhanging branches force overheight vehicles to encroach into the opposing travel lane. The narrow travel lanes do not provide- adequate width for bicyclists and pedestrians -who must -share the roadway with vehicles. Signs at both ends of the study section indicate the presence of non - automobile traffic to drivers. 160 West Santa Clara Street, #675, San Jose CA 95113 (408) 278 -1700 Fax (408) 278 -1717 www.fehrandpeers.com John Cherbone fp ~ November 7, 2006 Page 2of3 FI- & f FERS INAMSPOATA110N (OXSUl1AN11 However, anecdotal evidence from residents indicates that numerous vehicles travel excessively fast through sections of Upper Pierce and that several areas are prone to periodic vehicle collisions. During our observations, both bicyclists and pedestrians were observed in or immediately adjacent to the roadway. Vehicle Speeds Speed survey data was collected at the five locations on Upper Pierce. Speed data was obtained for all vehicles on the road and was used to calculate the average speed and 85"' percentile speeds in both directions. The 85th percentile speed is the speed at or below 85 percent of vehicles are traveling and is a standard engineering threshold. Speed data are presented in Table 1. Table 1 Upp er Pierce Road Speed Surve s Speed 85 Difference from Location Limit Direction Percentile Speed Limit Speed NB 35.6 +5.6 Houston Ct to Bella Vina 30 SB 35.1 +5.1 NB 31.8 +6.8 Surrey Ln to Old Oak Wy 25 SB 30.6 +5.6 NB 36.0 +11.0 Pike Rd to Via Regina 25 SB 34.0 +9.0 Mt. Eden Rd to Saratoga Hts Rd g SB 355.3 3 +10.3 3 25— NB 35.1 +10.1 Saratoga Hts Road to SR 9 25 SB 36.0 +11.0 The City has typically required that the. 85th percentile speed exceeds the posted limit by more than seven (7) miles per hour before the Traffic Safety Commission will consider most traffic calming measures for implementation. Based on this criterion, the three study sections south of Pike Road include excessive speeding based on the posted limit. Reported Collision History Residents have indicated that numerous collisions have occurred at various locations along Upper Pierce Road. A review of reported collision data from the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office indicates that a total of 95 collisions were reported between 1999 and 2005. While these incidents were distributed along the corridor, three locations were identified as "hot spots' with more than three collisions in approximately the same area. Over 20 collisions have occurred on the stretch of roadway from near Old Oak Way to south of Sarahills Road including the bridge over Calabazas Creek. The primary collision factor (PCF) for nearly half of these accidents was unsafe speed, while several other collisions were caused by crossing the centerline or making an unsafe turn. Observations of traveling vehicles indicate that some drivers approach the narrow road near Old Oak Way and sharp curves in the road at the bridge too fast. Invariably, vehicles cross the centerline as they try to maintain an excessive speed. John Cherbone November 7, 2006 Page 3 of 3 fp F I 1 -1 R& F 1: I 1"s TRANSPORIA110N (ONSUl1AN1) The second collision "hot spot' is the length of road from north of Pike Road to just south of Via Regina. The PCF for five (5) of the 13 collisions in this area was unsafe speed, while the remaining causes included driving over the centerline, making an unsafe turn, and driving under the influence. The last location with notable collision frequency is the "S curve" located near Masson Court with four incidents over the study period. Two of the four collisions had unsafe speed as the PCF, and the cause of the two remaining incidents was driving over the centerline. RECOMMENDED MODIFICATIONS To address the excessive travel speeds and the higher than desirable collision frequency, we recommend improved signing and striping to better notify drivers of changing roadway conditions and the need to drive at a speed that is appropriate for the road conditions. We do not recommend installation of any physical measures at this time. The purpose of most measures is to narrow the roadway and make the travel path non - linear (i.e., curved). Upper Pierce Road is already narrow in many places and the road is curved. We do not recommend the installation of speed humps on this roadway since drivers do not normally anticipate that type of device. Based on the speed survey data and collision data, we recommend the following: • Installation of yellow centerline reflectors and white shoulder reflectors from approximately 100 feet north of Old Oak Way to 250 feet south of Sarahills Drive • Replacement of signage approaching the Calabazas Creek bridge to indicate the actual road alignment and the intersecting streets • Posting of new 20 MPH advisory speed signs approaching the bridge • Installation of new signs indicating the Via Regina intersection and posting 25 MPH advisory speed signs with "SLOW" placards • Installation of yellow centerline reflectors and white shoulder reflectors from approximately 100 feet north of Pike Road to 200 feet south of Via Regina • Installation of yellow centerline reflectors and white shoulder reflectors for approximately 100 feet in advance of both approaches to the S -curve near Masson Court • Prune trees directly over the roadway that are less than 15 feet above the roadway • An intensive directed enforcement campaign by the Sheriff's Department to educate drivers on the need to drive at a prudent and reasonable speed. Three months after installation, we recommend conducting speed surveys to determine the effectiveness of the proposed modifications. Based on those findings, the TSC may consider additional measures to further reduce travel speeds. These measures may include additional signage, radar feedback signs, and other traffic calming devices. 2006 Upper Pierce Road Speed Surveys Speed in miles per hour Northboundt / Southbound 1 J' SsG°�9�e SQ�`�gS S� 9� Upper Pierce Road Collision Hot Spots Data from 1999 through 2006 Three Primary Causes for Collisions: • Unsafe speed -Driving into oncoming lane -Unsafe turns and /or without signaling a a' v 4 o,� Q4ary R d swat �d ye�9hfs 'Qa Foothill Lene Comer Rd Bella Vina Ct st,",�J SarahuOr Houston Ct ss se 9s 9 t G °�gte S� CL t Reco a .mended Modifications' Goals of Modifications: • notify drivers of changing roadway conditions • reduce excessive speeding Fa 'Pa Foothill L ne Comer Rd Houston Ct Bella Vina Ct ofa �dk fey SU��ey Gave Q�ar�R •�� .•O Sa�ahills �r r7 • . O sd�df 0 � ,QV F�Oaa Ta 5 C1009� Go s� Key: Install yellwxeenter. o Ilse reflectors,40d CO white shoulder reflectors v cn m � Oc Install Mirror ! (� f a O Install signage indicating road intersection Post 25 MPH speed signs Replace signage 1 approaching Calabazas Creek brld'ge tojindlcate. ` aetual road alignment.. Traffic and safety concern on Austin Way Kristin Borel From: Jeffrey Tang [tang @broadcom.com] Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 4:12 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Traffic and safety concern on Austin Way Hi Kristin, Page 1 of 3 -m 9 - hus+n WO- Thanks for the time to spend on the phone conversation with me. I would like to add few points for discussion. - Austin way is a quite narrow street with two way traffic. The road condition was very poor outside of the brick surface. In order to avoid big truck from other side, quite often we need to drive the car off the brick road which is very bad condition. - The brick road generates very loud noise if car driving over 20MPH. - We should also attempt to reduce traffic to preserve the Heritage lane. I have few recommendations - Block Austin way access close to the intersection of Austin and Bainter Rd, only to allow pedestrian and bicycle access, similar to the end of Crisp Ave. This section (from Bountiful Acres to Bainter Ave) is the main part of Heritage lane, and there is no need to access this section except the residence on this section. If we can do this, we can reduce traffic on this part of Heritage lane dramatically to preserve the condition of main part of heritage lane. (see chart in below) And /Or - Reduce the speed limit from existing 25MPH to 15MPH to reduce the traffic noise generated from the brick road, and to reduce the damage to the heritage lane. - Add speed lumps right before entering the brick road on both side of Austin way, and on Bainter. My family are really appreciated for your help. Regards, From: Kristin Borel [ma i Ito: kborel @saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 3:49 PM 11/6/2006 Ork j%nu\ e mat`s monvu \Vo Traffic Matrix #147 Kristin Borel From: DJButcher @aol.com Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2006 8:11 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Re: Traffic Concerns Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Green My concern regarding traffic in the Montalvo Road area is speeding. I think a could or at least one speed bump between Montalvo Hts. Ct. and the entrance to Montalvo would be helpful. Donna Butcher 4/14/2006 Pagel of 3 Kristin Borel From: Richard H. Mattern, Jr. [r.mattern @comcast.net] Sent: Friday, April 14, 2006 11:15 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Re: Traffic Concerns Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Green Good Morning Kristin: Thank you for your prompt response to the concerns I and others made at the recent meeting of the Montalvo Arts Center Town Meeting. Montalvo Road is a heavily trafficked road which must accommodate both residents and their guests, as well as visitors to the Montalvo Arts Center during its general open hours. The Center is a rich cultural asset and needs to continue its educational, entertaining and fulfilling programs. In order to do so, administrative staff, volunteers, maintenance crews, board members for their early morning meetings, catering services, etc. all must traverse Montalvo Road. We residents, of course, also use the road, not only to access our homes, but also for walking dogs, walking with grandchildren, riding bikes (as do many biking groups in tandem), and for jogging and recreational walks. The road, of course, must also allow for residents' service vehicle parking (landscapers, pool maintenance trucks, large garbage trucks, San Jose Water maintenance crews, etc.). Many residents use the road for their guest parking, and it is not unusual to count 30 to 40 cars lining both sides of the street with the remaining space restricted to two -way traffic for cars, buses, and foot traffic on many occasions. Visitors to the Center also have recently found it convenient to park along the road, and on side roads, before walking up to the Center adding to the traffic, and the road congestion. When concerts, weddings, educational programs for local and area schools, holiday and fund raising events, and corporate parties, etc. are held, the road traffic dramatically increases. These events often require participants to be transported on school buses and "executive" coaches to reduce traffic and mitigate the lack of large parking lots at the villa. For the concerts, the shuttle buses bring the participants to the shows, return to base, and then shortly before the programs end, race up the street to return the participants to the feeder parking locations. The four parking lots at the Center, however, are used during the events for VIP parking and at other events for guests. More about this later. The road itself is characterized by several blind corners. One of the most dangerous occurs just before the intersection with Hill Avenue where the road rises and then just at the crest - -out of sight to a driver -- abruptly juts to the right. Few cars and most buses fail to anticipate that junction and, especially at the high speeds which many travel, end up in the middle of the road at best and in the opposite lane at worst. This is especially true for late VIP guests anxious to get a parking space, the inexperienced bus drivers late to pick up guests, and, frequently, residents driving too fast to correct for the sharp curve. (On dark nights and with rain - slicked surfaces, it becomes treacherous to walk anywhere on Montalvo). After navigating that curve, and a lower one equally blind, the road becomes straight and, unfortunately, affords an opportunity for unobstructed high speed. With no speed limit signs, 40 to even 50 MPH traffic frequently takes place. This opportunity is often taken advantage of by the shuttle buses in order to transport the maximum number of concert guests in the minimum amount of time. And without clear lane markers, almost all buses and many cars travel directly in the center of the road. The Montalvo Board has recognized this problem, as have the residents, and has taken steps to reduce the dangerous situation. Bus drivers have been asked not to speed and stay within the unmarked lanes, administrative staff and board members have been asked not to speed, volunteers cautioned about their driving practices, etc. But the problem remains, as there are just too many users of the road who do not recognize its dangers. In my judgment additional steps must be taken. A few suggestions: 4/14/2006 Page 2 of 3 1. Mark the center lane with 'Rots dots" as well as a yellow center marker. 2. Place speed limit signs at the entrance to Montalvo Road and at appropriate places along the road. 3. Place dangerous curve signs on the three blind curves going up the road, and the really dangerous one going down. 4. Periodically, place a portable speed indicator sign at a convenient location to warm motorists of their excessive speed. 5. Have the sheriff patrol the road at the most dangerous times of the day and give speeding tickets to violators (once the limits have been posted). 6. If these reasonable solutions fail, then as a last resort, consider speed bumps. I hope, Kristin, that these observations are of value. It may not be necessary to undertake all my suggestions, and no doubt the TSC and the City Traffic Engineer, who have considerably more experience with such issues, will be able to offer their professional guidance. Sincerely, Richard H. Mattern, Jr. 20460 Montalvo Heights Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: Kristin Borel To: djbutcher @_aol.com ; r.mattern(a)_comcast.net Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2006 2:02 PM Subject: Traffic Concerns Hi, I received your email addresses from Barbara Powell, Assistant City Manager. She told me that you have specific traffic concerns in the Montalvo Area. Could you please put those concerns in writing to me and I will schedule them for our next Traffic Safety Commission meeting. The TSC and the City Traffic Engineer will review the request and will make a recommendation to our department. The next TSC meeting will be held on Monday, May 8th. After your item is scheduled and we are closer to the meeting date, I will send you the Agenda for the meeting. I usually have this ready about a week before the meeting. Please let me know if you have further questions. Sincerely,' Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408 - 868 -1258 4/14/2006 0V\� 1ral emCA1 rc�u�2L I Glen 7J> Traffic Matrix #156 Kristin Borel From: JJPLAP @aol.com Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 3:22 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speeding Traffic Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Green Dear Kristen, My husband and I live on Glen Brae Drive for 9 years between Scotland and Beaumont (spelling ?). The speed limit is 25 mph. People speed up and down this area daily. Families have children that play in their front yards or driveways and one day someone is going to get injured. The city needs to install another stop sign or put in speed bumps so the speeders will have to slow down. What can we do to get something done. Thank You Lynn and Joe Pinto 19877 Glen Brae Drive 7/17/2006 Kristin Borel From: Mike [sheehanmike1 @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 10:27 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Ranfre /Saratoga Intersection.. Page 1 of 1 Hi Kristen: I would like to voice support to the Ranfre /Saratoga Avenue intersection solution. Presently this is a dangerous place to cross to Saratoga Avenue. I have witnessed problem's several times with car's swerving to avoid a collision with a car merging from Ranfre to Saratoga. With all the traffic now especially with West Valley College students J am very supportive and requesting a safety review with the implementation of a left turnout lane to safely merge onto Saratoga Avenue. Thanks for your consideration. Mike Sheehan We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups. 11/9/2006 Kristin Borel J -. m + " J2 an From: Michiko Kelly [michikokelly @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 7:15 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Ranfre and Saratoga Ave. Hi, Christin, My name is Michiko Kelly, and I live on 13693 Ronnie Way. Several years ago, The greenery in the median on Saratoga Ave. between 85 and Ranfre were so high, I could not see the cars coming. There were many close calls when I made left turn from Ranfre to Saratoga Ave. I went to talk to the Corporate Yard many times, and asked them to trim the greenery. They are so much better now. I still have a lot of difficulty making the left turn from Ranfre to Saratoga Ave. because of heavy traffic. I definitely want the city to put in " No U -turn " sign on Saratoga Ave. left turn lane. at Ranfre. I had many close calls with the cars making u turns there. I am not quite sure exactly what would be done, but I do not want a traffic light. Something else that will make the left turn easier. Thank you for your cooperation, and a good day, Michiko We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups (http: / /groups.yahoo.com) �Ak @_1% SAR9 O r. �`���� 9 TY � = � • A �.� 1A 1.3777 FRUITVALE AVENUE o SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 868 -1200 Incorporated October 22, 1956 November 9, 2006 Postmaster Rodney Romero 19630 Allendale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 RE: Pierce Road Mailbox Location Dear Postmaster Romero, COUNCIL MEMBERS: Aileen Kao Kathleen King Norman Kline Nick Streit Ann Waltonsmith The Traffic Safety Commission of the City of Saratoga has been informed of a safety issue for residents of Pierce Road. Individuals have made oral presentations at public meetings, and by e -mail, expressing great concern for their safety when crossing this extremely busy road to pick up their mail. The numerous blind corners, increased vehicular traffic, and increased speed along this road have made securing mail from a mailbox across from the individual's residence an unsafe condition for both drivers and pedestrians. The, Traffic Safety Commission and the Traffic Engineer reviewed and discussed this safety issue at the August 10th Public Meeting and voted unanimously to recommend the Post Office allow relocation of mailboxes to the same side of the street as the residence. Please consider this request and let us know how we can further support this issue. Sincerely, Micha 1 BUamante Peggy ' char Chair Traffic Safety Commission Vice Ch it affic Safety Commission r- A If Brigitte llingall enneth Bi er Traffic Safety Commissioner Traffic Safety Commissioner Mitch Kane Traffic Safety Commissioner Printed on recycled paper.