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Home My WebLink About10-11-2007 Traffic Safety Commission AgendaCITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: October 11, 2007 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Coulter, Kane, Guichard Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on October 4, 2007. 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 June 12, 2007 Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for August 9, 2007 Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for September 13, 2007 Sheriff's Report to the Commission Old Business 1. Traffic Matrix #195 - Mary Bosco (Continued from meeting on August 9, 2007) Issue: Request for red curb for driveway at 14611 Big Basin Way Action: TSC will make recommendation 2. Traffic Matrix #181- Bill Hardy (Continued from meeting on June 7, 2007) Issue: Speeding concerns on Ravenswood Drive Action: TSC will make recommendation 3. Traffic Matrix #186 (Continued from meeting on June 7, 2007) Issue: Request for follow up on Lexington Court and Herriman Avenue Action: TSC will make recommendation I• 4. Traffic Matrix #190 -Michael McCann (Continued from meeting on June 7, 2007) Issue: Speeding concerns on Brookglen Action: TSC will make recommendation New Business 5. Traffic Matrix #197 - LaRoue Kirwin Issue: Speeding concerns on Braemar Drive Action: TSC will make recommendation 6. Traffic Matrix #202 - Ali Rejaie Issue: Speeding concerns on Cox Avenue, requests speed bump Action: TSC will make recommendation 7. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Rating Announcements by Commissioners and Staff Welcome New Commissioners - Chair Ballingall Bicycle Lane Progress Report Adjournment to Study Session Meeting Thursday, November 8, 2007 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, Public Works 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 October 4, 2007 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 Retreat Action Minutes DATE: July 12, 2007 TIME: 7:00 PM LOCATION: Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruit-vale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Coulter, Kane, &r Guichard Absent: Guichard Staff: Analyst Borel, 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 July 10, 2007. Borel reports on posting. Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. No changes Oral &r 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. None Old Business - None New Business 1. Directed Enforcement &r Communications with Law Enforcement Review conversation with law enforcement. Commissioners will now ask for "Enforcement" and not specify any particular type. Do not use enforcement as pacifier Radar feedback trailer for low level enforcement 2. Traffic Calming and Other Policies • Develop policy for speed bumps? Based on speed limit and character of street where 85th percentile is 11 -12 mph over speed limit TSC would consider physical remediation. • Phased approach to mitigation: enforcement, education and engineering 3. "Messaging to the Community" - Education Campaign • Develop kit to empower a neighborhood including form letter • Devise a limited "NTMP" process? Does TSC want to illicit community involvement and input? Will not make physical changes until impacts to Community are considered TSC now "safety directed" TSC wants more consistency Checklist -input from traffic safety, impact to neighborhood, safety issue, warrants Community Education as part of process Empower neighborhood to inform their neighbors and self notify Educational tools? 4. Discussion & Feedback from regarding City Council Joint Meeting Additional law enforcement Announcements by Commissioners and Staff None Adjournment to Next Regular Meeting Thursday, August 9, 2007 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 @sarato ag 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, Public Works 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 5, 2007 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 9, 2007 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order at 6:35 p.m. Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Coulter, Kane, Guichard Absent: None Staff: Analyst Borel, Director Cherbone 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 2, 2007. Borel reports on posting Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. No changes Oral &r 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. Bob Wallace - Speeding on curve on Pierce Road at Foothill Lane Approval of Draft Minutes Draft Traffic Safety Commission Minutes for June 14, 2007 (Approved 5 -1 -0 with change, Kane abstains) Sheriff's Report to the Commission - Captain Calderone reviews Traffic Report Old Business - None New Business 1. Traffic Matrix #194 - Tina Boales Issue: Request for "Hidden Driveway" sign on Pierce Road Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Approve one "Hidden Driveway" sign on the downhill side of the street with a distance indicator on the sign, and have the speed of vehicles taken into consideration when placing the sign. Also follow the Traffic Engineer's and Public Works Director's recommendations with regards to tree trimming and clearing dirt from the roadway. (APPROVED 5 -0) 2. Traffic Matrix #195 - Mary Bosco Issue: Request for red curb for driveway at 14611 Big Basin Way Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Recommend that the TSC take more time to review this item and ask that Mary Bosco talk to the residents to gather consensus and report the results at the next meeting. (APPROVED 6 -0) 3. Traffic Matrix #198 - Cindy Watkins Issue: Request for reduction of speed to 25 mph on Allendale &z Fruitvale Avenue Action: TSC will make recommendation The TSC recommends that no action be taken on this item at this time. 4. Traffic Matrix #199 - Mary Hoefler Issue: Request speed bump on Sobey Road near Sperry Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Recommend that the shrubs be trimmed on Sobey Road near Sperry, and that enforcement and the speed trailer and be used in this area. (APPROVED 6 -0) 5. Traffic Matrix #201- John Page Issue: Request for red curb on Big Basin Way near 5`h Street Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Recommend changing one 15 minute parking space to red curb in front of the "French Tailor" at the corner of 5t''_& Big Basin Way and convert one regular parking space to a 15 minute parking limit. (APPROVED 6 -0) 6. Traffic Matrix #196 - Amy Olay Issue: Request red curb on Prospect at Via Roncole Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Accept the Traffic Engineer's recommendation that no action be taken on this item. (APPROVED 6 -0) 7. Traffic Matrix #200 - Geraldine Teresi Issue: Request for red curbs on Saratoga Avenue Action: TSC will make recommendation MOTION: Follow the Traffic Engineer's recommendation to paint red curb for 20 feet south of her driveway. (APPROVED 6 -0) S. Discussion of Bicycle Lane Safety Discussion of parking in bicycle lanes, possible City Code modification, and identifying and defining bicycle lanes. Announcements by Commissioners and Staff Adjournment at 9:40 p.m. to the Special Meeting Thursday, September 13, 2007 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 etclerk @sarato ag 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, Public Works 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 2, 2007 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 Action Minutes DATE: September 13, 2007 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order at 6:40 p.m. Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Coulter, Kane, & Guichard Absent: Ballingall Staff. 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 September 11, 2007. Borel reports on posting Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. Accepted -No changes 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. None New Business 1. Communications with Law Enforcement - Discussion of traffic and accident trends Slight elevation in accidents in last three years - primarily on main thoroughfares Slight increase in bicycle accidents Old Business 2. Traffic Calming and Other Policies • Develop a checklist Data Collection and Evaluation Community Education Follow Up Evaluation Engage in Neighborhood Discussion and Community Solution Physical Remedies 3. "Messaging to the Community" - Education Campaign • Develop kit to empower a neighborhood including form letter Develop City website outlining TSC process Link on website to letter 4. Bicycle Lane Safety Borel Est Rashid report on how City is inventorying and evaluating our existing bicycle lanes Posting "No Parking" - only needed in bike lanes over 7 feet Announcements by Commissioners and Staff - Herriman Avenue update - Borel reports on update Adjournment at 8:40 p.m. to Next Regular Meeting Thursday, October 11, 2007 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, Public Works 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 September 11, 2007 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. Traffic Matrix #195 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION — Traffic complaint Form DATE: 7/9/07 NAME: Mary Bosco ADDRESS: 14605 Big Basin Way (14611 uses same driveway) PHONE: 867 -2266 EMAIL: DISCUSSION SCHEDULED FOR TSC MEETING: 8/9/07 DESCRIPTION OF TRAFFIC ISSUE: Request red curbs to the left of her driveway due to lack of site distance. This driveway serves several residences. ,STON.E,PIN.E 14611 Big Basin Way Saratoga, California 408 - 867 -2266 July 25, 2007 To: Traffic Commissioner for Saratoga Fr: Stone Pine Homeowners Association Re: Changing two parking spaces to red zones at 14611 Big Basin Way We are long -time (and concerned) Saratoga residents and we are requesting the two parking spaces one to the left and the one to the right of the condominium complex driveway to be changed to red zones. On a daily basis cars /SUV /trucks park as close as they can to the driveway, making it nearly impossible to see clearly to gain safe access on to Big Basin. The residents of Stone Pine must approach nearly half way into the lane before they obtain clear visibility. We have complained about this in the past but now we are formally requesting this change before someone living here or visiting here is serious injured from an oncoming car speeding through the Village. Homeowners of Stone Pine are elderly, middle aged and families with children. We strongly request and urge the Saratoga Traffic Commission to change this zoning to avoid any future accidents. We are available to discuss our concerns and request with you at your earliest convenience. On behalf of the residents of Stone Pine we thank you, in advance, for your careful review and consideration. Sincerely, Mary Boscoe President Stone Pine Homeowners Association 23 May 2007 Traffic Matrix #1,81 To: Traffic Safety Commission; Kristin Borel, Public Works Re: Ravenwood Drive neighborhood traffic - for meeting June 7, 2007 Thank you for giving part of your meeting time to the Ravenwood Drive neighborhood. Our neighborhood has submitted numerous petitions about traffic problems to you over many years, and most recently, an application to the Neighborhood Traffic Safety program submitted two years ago. Although the program application was turned down, we are glad to see that your commission is considering the safety of our streets once again. At the last meeting concerning Ravenwood, your commission seemed to settle on the suggestion of plastic speed bumps as a fast solution to neighbors' calls to do something about speeders. We would not want to see these devices installed, except as an interim measure, or to test the effectiveness of berms in general. The look and noise the plastic berms generate are objectionable. Three Oaks where we have seen them has very few homes adjacent to them. Many of the streets in our area that experience cut - through traffic around McFarland such as McCoy, Devon, Paseo Lado and Martha have permanent berms that blend with the streets. And Bucknall and adjacent streets have small median signs, "Speed Limit 25 Drive With Care" that may be effective. We would like to see a coordinated approach in solving an identified problem. It seems there is agreement that a traffic problem with speeders exists, and perhaps your road surveys have confirmed this by now. From observations over 18 years we would expect that 90% of it is from Marshall Lane school traffic. There is very little traffic other than residents themselves at other times. Enforcement of the traffic laws that already exist is not being addressed enough as a mitigation. If you know there is a disproportionately high percent of speeders at certain times (enough to justify speed bumps), wouldn't that justify stationing an officer on Ravenwood Drive during those times? The cost could no doubt be offset by the revenue from ticketing traffic violations. Marshall Lane and the school district need to be notified that unsafe conditions caused by speeding drivers will no longer be tolerated; put the responsibility back on the school where it belongs. Readdress the school bus issue; enrollment keeps going up along with the cars but nothing is done to keep numbers from increasing. Recruit some parents to stand at corners, or at the entrance to the streets with signs to proceed with care. I'll bet you could find more than a few willing neighborhood volunteers. All of these measures would help make our streets safer and enjoyable again for all residents. Thank you again for your attention and time. Lisa & Steve Kurasch 18665 Ravenwood Drive Saratoga 374 -9472 ******* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** See what's free at http: / /www.aol.com. 5/25/2007 Kristin Borel lom: Anuradha.Mayer @Sun.COM on behalf of Anuradha Mayer [Anuradha.Mayer @Sun.COM] ,ent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:46 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Ravenwood Drive Neighborhood Traffic Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Green Hi Kristin, My husband Dave Snider and I are residents on Ravenwood Avenue in Saratoga and would like to share some thought with you about the traffic on our street. We understand that this will be a topic at the meeting on June 7th as well and appreciate that there is time devoted to this issue. We would like to see a coordinated approach in solving an identified problem. It seems there is agreement that a traffic problem with speeders exists and perhaps your road surveys have confirmed this by now. It is clear that 90% of this traffic is related to Marshall Lane school. Enforcement of the traffic laws that already exist is not being addressed enough as a mitigation. We are in fear of our safety when we take our dogs for a walk and have had several close calls in the year we've lived on Ravenwood. Parents. and the school faculty should share this concern and take part in addressing the issues. We would appreciate your support in finding a resolution to the traffic issues on Ravenwood Drive. It is a onderful neighborhood and is currently hindered by these ongoing traffic issues. Thanks for your time and attention to this matter. Regards, Anuradha Mayer 18657 Ravenwood Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 408.378.6544 MAY -25 -2007 13:47 CSAA 4083661696 P.01i01 To: The Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Attn: Kristin Borel Re: June 7, 2007 meeting — addition of speed bumps on Ravenwood Drive To Whom It May Concern: pertinent to the discuss of the April 2007 meeting, if speed bumps are installed on Ravenwood Drive in Saratoga, I would ldce to see permanent speed bumps without vertical signage. We have proliferation and of s a already and the new stop sign at the corner of Ravenwood Marilyn Yn continuum of un- enforced signage. The absence of vertical signage would be appropriate and in keeping with the character of our neighborhood on Ravenwood. The addition of more pole signage will definitely detract from the spansiveness of our street. Retail shopping centers in the area and residential neighborhoods in Mountain View, California function with berms out of concrete or asphalt with either stripping, stenciled on ground signage or both. Approximately 90% of the traffic on Ravenwood is created in some way by Marshall Lane School. Traffic is generated by dropping off and/or picking the students, traffic due to before or after school daycare, traffic to school events and traffic due to sports practices. We need to have measures in place to control the traffic such as additional officers to enforce the limits and codes that have been established for our neighborhood.. As far as issues that have already been approved and decided upon, I would like to confirm that the sidewalk that has been approved on Marilyn wo begins and ends on Marilyn. The sidewalk will not extend onto Ravenwood. I adamantly object to a sidewalk on Ravenwood, aesthetically it would impact the neighborhood and inhibit the flow of traffic. Sincerely, Patty Steinfurth Ravenwood Drive Saratoga TOTAL P.01 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Bob Kennedy [bkennedy @cadence.com] Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 3:04 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: bob_kennedy_home @hotmail.com Subject: Speed limit sign on Ravenwood Drive Importance: High Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Green Kristin - I received a notice last night regarding the "Speed Limit Sign on Ravenwood Drive." I'm writing to express my concern. I'm concerned for three reasons - 1) 1 am one of the neighbors who has been pushing for a solution to the speeding on Ravenwood drive by parents dropping off and picking up children at Marshall Lane School. I attended a Traffic Safety Commission meeting on April 12th when this issue was discussed. At that time, a proposal /recommendation was to be developed and presented back at the next regularly scheduled Traffic Safety Commission meeting on June 14th, the second Thursday of the month. It appears that this meeting was held on June 7th (NOT the second Thursday of the month) with no prior warning to the neighbors. The "Speed Limit Sign on Ravenwood Drive" notice is the first I've heard about the planned installation of this sign. Other neighbors on Ravenwood Drive are equally surprised. With as much involvement and participation that the neighbors on Ravenwood Drive have put towards this issue over the years, it's concerning that this installation was decided without more input from the neighbors. 2) This sign is not consistent with the request from the neighbors to address the speeding issue. In the April 12th Traffic Safety Commission meeting, the discussion centered on the installation of speed bumps. There was much discussion about the type of speed bump (speed "humps" vs. plastic bumps bolted into the street, etc). There was never a discussion of installation of signage as a way to address the problem. 3) A "knockdown" style sign is not appropriate for this location. Ravenwood Drive is not a wide street, and is especially narrow when cars are parked on the street. The installation of a sign in the center of the street will make it difficult to pass (when cars parked on the street) without striking the sign. It might be impossible for the garbage and recycling trucks to pass without striking the sign. These types of "knockdown" signs quickly become an eyesore after they've been struck or run -over by traffic. Lastly, it seems like the location of this sign is a moving target - first at 18534 Ravenwood, then 18558, then finally 18591. This indicates that there probably isn't an appropriate location anywhere on Ravenwood Drive for this type of a sign. I respectfully request you reconsider this installation. Thank you - Bob Bob Kennedy 18582 Ravenwood Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 408.866.2380 home 408.348.5639 cell bob kennedy home @hotmail.com 9/20/2007 Traffic Matrix # 181 February 20,2007 Re:Traffic Meeting We have lived at our present address on Ravenwood for over 40 years. Durin g that period of time parents, late to school, have sped down our street in order to drop off or pick up their children at Marshall Lane School. Unfortunately, Ravenwood is a long straight street in which drivers can exceed 35-40 miles her hour. We have been very. lucky that a small child has not been seriously injured or killed. Recently a police officer tickets a motorist in front of our home for speeding. in the past couple of years, several new families have moved into our neighborhood. Many young children are now residing along Ravenwood along with our_ seven grandchildren that are with us many days. Please before a tragedy occurs — install speed bumps. We have been in contact with the city for many years about this necessity. Absolutely nothing has been done!! You have in your possession a letter we wrote in the last several years and also a response letter from the city. Please once again install speed bumps — it's an absolute necessity. It will slow down traffic to a legal limit. We will not be able to attend the April meeting. We will be in Australia for the month of April. However, if you give us the date, time and location we will inform as many. neighbors as possible. Sincerely, Bill and Val Hardy 0 r� November 29; 2004 Danielle Surdin City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Ms Surdin, Per our conversation on November 20`h, I am to request that the Ravenwood Drive's ever- increasing speeding problem be placed on the City Council's agenda as quickly as possible. We have lived here for over 38 years and the cars speeding down our street (mostly to take children to school) is getting continually worse. We would like to suggest that a speed bump be placed in front of our home. We have seen them in other neighborhoods and to my knowledge are slowing down the traffic. The City has in the past placed an electronic speed sign on Ravenwood, but this only slows people down when it is in place. We have observed that as soon as it is removed from the street, people resume their "normal" speed. Our greatest fear is that someone will be hurt or a life lost before anything has been done to remedy the situation. Please place this item on the City Council's December 9`h agenda. I would like the Council to discuss and handle this issue ASAP. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Valerie Hardy 18534 Ravenwood Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 379 -0667, i oti SAR,9T `9LIF'Ol�t`� i OEUW Q1 Moulg(D)OZ 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 868 -1200 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Aileen Kao Incorporated October 22,1956 Kathleen King Norman Kline Nick Streit February 4 2005. Ann waltonsmith Ms. Valerie Hardy 18534 Ravenwood Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Ms. Hardy, Thank you for contacting the City regarding speeding cars on Ravenwood Drive. I wanted to touch base with you regarding the status of your issue. Several of your neighbors contacted the City regarding this issue last spring and. submitted petitions requesting that the Marshall Lane/Ravenwood neighborhood be put officially in the queue for the City's "Neighborhood Traffic Management Program" �MP )• There are currently six other neighborhoods ahead of Ravenwood. The NTMP process is very effective, but is also, very time intensive. In addition, City staff and . resources are spread thin due to limited funds. Let me know if you are interested in getting in touch with your neighbor who contacted the City about this issue last spring. I would be happy to pass on your contact. . information to her. Also, feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions. I work part-time on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 8 AM until 3 PM. Sincerely, Sue Crimi Assistant, City Manager's Office Phone: 408.868.1265 -- Email: scrimi@saratoga.ca.us • • Traffic Matrix #181 February 20,2007 Re:Traffic Meeting We have lived at our present address on Ravenwood for over 40 years. Durin g that period of time parents, late to school, have sped down our street in order to drop off or pick up their children at Marshall Lane School. Unfortunately, Ravenwood is a long straight street in which drivers can exceed 35-40 miles per hour. We have been very lucky that a small child has not been seriously injured or killed. Recently a police officer tickets a motorist in front of our home for speeding. In the past couple of years, several new families have moved into our neighborhood. Many young children are now residing along Ravenwood along with our seven grandchildren that are with us many days. Please before a tragedy occurs — install speed bumps. We have been in contact with the city for many years about this necessity. Absolutely nothing has been done!! You have in your possession a letter we wrote in the last several years and also a response letter from the city. Please once again install speed bumps — it's an absolute necessity. It will slow down traffic to a legal limit. We will not be able to attend the April meeting. We will be in Australia for the month of April. However, if vou.give us the date, time and location we will inform as many neighbors as possible. Sincerely, Bill and Val Hardy November 29, 2004 Danielle Surdin City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Ms Surdin, Per our conversation on November 20`x, I am to request that the Ravenwood Drive's ever - increasing speeding problem be placed on the City Council's agenda as quickly as possible. We have lived here for over 38 years and the cars speeding down our street (mostly to take children to school) is getting continually worse. We would like to suggest that a speed bump be placed in front of our home. We have seen them in other neighborhoods and to my knowledge are slowing down the traffic. The City has in the past placed an electronic speed sign on Ravenwood, but this only slows people down when it is in place. We have observed that as soon as it is removed from the street, people resume their "normal" speed. Our greatest fear is that someone will be hurt or a life lost before anything has been done to remedy the situation. Please place this item on the City Council's December 9`h agenda. I would like the Council to discuss and handle this issue ASAP. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, 1 V Valerie Hardy 18534 Ravenwood Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 379 -066, d 4 o.. 0 c. > 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 868 -1200 Incorporated October 22, 1956 February 4, 2005 Ms. Valerie Hardy 18534 Ravenwood Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Ms. Hardy, COUNCIL MEMBERS: Aileen Kao Kathleen King Norman Kline Nick Streit Ann Waltonsmith Thank you for contacting the City regarding speeding cars on Ravenwood Drive. I wanted to touch base with you regarding the status of your issue. Several of your neighbors contacted the City regarding this issue last spring and, submitted petitions requesting that the Marshall Lane/Ravenwood neighborhood be put officially in the queue for the City's "Neighborhood Traffic Management Program" (NTMP). There are currently six other neighborhoods ahead of Ravenwood. The NTMP process is very effective, but is also. very time intensive. In addition, City staff and resources are spread thin due to limited funds. Let me know if you are interested in getting in touch with your neighbor who contacted the City about this issue last spring. I would be happy to pass on your contact information to her. Also, feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions. I work part-time on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 8 AM until 3 PNI. Sincerely, Sue Crirni Assistant, City Manager's Office Phone: 408.868.1265 Email: scrimi @saratoga.ca.us Traffic Matrix # 186 - Kristin Borel From: John Cherbone Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 9:38 AM To: Brian Berg Cc: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Herriman /Lexington sidewalk issue Hi Brian, Yes, the TSC has directed our Traffic Engineer to look at the whole area including the turn onto Lexington. Stay tuned for the report in the next couple of months. Sincerely, John From: Brian Berg [mailto:brianberg @gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2007 10:23 PM To: John Cherbone Subject: Herriman /Lexington sidewalk issue Dear John, I wanted to make sure that the safety issue re: west -bound pedestrians walking on Herriman and turning onto Lexington is included in the safety study being done re: this intersection. Making this turn at night is very dangerous as drivers "hugging" to the right could easily hit a pedestrian. I'm not sure how this could be best addressed, so I will leave to an "expert" like you. Thanks. Brian A. Berg bberg@bswd.com Voice: 408.741.5010 13712 Lexington Ct, Saratoga, CA 95070 Cell: 408.568.2505 5/30/2007 RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Traffic Matrix # 186 Kristin Borel From: Barbara Powell Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 5:07 PM To: John Cherbone; Kristin Borel Subject: FW: pedestian crossing on Herriman Hi John or Kristin, Did you already respond to this? Thanksl Barbara From: Karen Perizzolo [mailto:kperizzolo @comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 11:25 AM To: Aileen Kao; Sujatha M; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Jill Hunter; Kathleen King Cc: Brian Berg; Barbara Powell; Dave Anderson; John Cherbone; kbores @saratoga.ca.us; Rick Torres; badri_ram @yahoo.com Subject: Re: pedestian. crossing on Herriman Could you please inform us of the meeting schedule of the traffic and safety commission so that we can attend the meeting? Thank you. Karen Perizzolo - - -- Original Message -- From: Aileen Kao To: Sujatha M ; Karen Perizzolo; Ann Waltonsmith ; Chuck Page; Jill Hunter; Kathleen King Cc: Brian Berg ; Barbara Powell ; Dave Anderson ; John Cherbone ; kbores(ccD-saratoga.ca.us ; Rick Torres ; badri ram@vaho^ o.com Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 1:11 PM Subject: RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Dear Ms. Sujatha Mudupalli, Thanks for sharing your thoughts with all of us. Please note that all matters in regards to traffic and safety will go to staff and traffic and Safety commission for further detailed discussion, study planning and etc. Council members will not be able to discuss any issues via email.exchange and we follow the Brown Act which keeps us all within legal boundary. Thank you. Aileen Aileen Kao Mayor, City of Saratoga - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Sujatha M fmailto:suja mudupalli@yahoo.coml Sent: Fri 3/16/2007 10:50 AM To: Aileen Kao; Karen Perizzolo; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Jill Hunter; Kathleen King 0 RE:.pedestian crossing on Herriman Cc: Brian Berg; Barbara Powell; Dave Anderson; John Cherbone; kboresnsarato ag ca.us; Rick Torres; badri ram@yaboo.com Subject: Re: pedestian crossing on Herriman Hello Ms Kao, Page 2 of 5 Thanks for your very prompt response. I'm very impressed with the 24 -hr turnaround in installing the knock -down sign and Bott's dots after Karen sent her first email. I look forward to seeing the flashing lights installed very soon. I also request the city to study the traffic congestion on Herriman Ave and come up with a long term solution.Herriman Ave is majorly congested during the morning and evening school hours, it will only'get worse as more and more high school seniors drive to school. Some kind of grandiose plan would be required to solve the problem.One of our neighbors suggested two great plans: 1. Move the High School main entrance to Sunnyvale- Saratoga road which can handle heavy traffic (there is already a back entrance to High School from. Sunnyvale- Saratoga road). - The advantage of this plan is the Herriman entrance can be used mainly by pedestrians. This will encourage majority of the kids in the "Golden Triangle" bike or walk to School. I can easily see this will reduce atleast 100 cats during the peak hours. 2. Align the High School entrance with Lexington Ct and add traffic signal to streamline traffic in the 4 -way intersection. After the bad experience we are very scared of letting our daughter walk or bike to School. My daughter and her friend were planning to bike to the Middle School but now both the girls and the parents are scared to let them do it. We can't help but add to the traffic mess by driving them to School. We only live 1 -2 blocks away from High School. Unless the street crossing on Herriman is made very safe, we will be very apprehensive of letting them walk even to High School. Thanks in advance for making the roads safe for the kids. - Sujatha - - -- Original Message - -- From: Aileen Kao <akao @saratoga.ca.us> To: Sujatha M <suja_mudupalli @yahoo.com >; Karen Perizzolo <kperizzolo @comcast.net >; Ann Waltonsmith <awaltonsmith @saratoga.ca.us >; Chuck Page <cpage @saratoga.ca.us>; Jill Hunter <jhunter@saratoga.ca.us >; Kathleen King <kk2king @saratoga.ca.us> Cc: Brian Berg <brianberg @gmail.com >; Barbara Powell <bpowell @saratoga.ca.us >; Dave Anderson <davea @saratoga.ca.us >; John Cherbone <jherbone @saratoga.ca.us >; kbores @saratoga.ca.us; Rick Torres <rtorres @saratoga.ca.us >; badri_ram @yahoo.com Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 12:53:47 AM Subject: RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Dear Ms. Sujatha Mudupalli, Thanks for your sharing your thoughts with us. Since the first email from Ms. Karen Perizzolo, many email responses have followed and actions have been taken from staff. We wanted to assure everyone that the safety of our residents is the utmost important concern of our City Government. Your suggestions of flashing lights for the crosswalk will be discussed by the staff and they will respond with appropriate plan(s). Again, I am very sorry that your child was injured and we will take every possible measure to ensure the safety of our residents. Thank you. ' Aileen Aileen Kao RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Page 3 of 5 Mayor, City of Saratoga - - -- Original Message---- - From: Sujatha M [mailula mudunalli(c— Dyahoo.com) Sent: Thu 3/15/2007 10:13 PM To: Karen Perizzolo; Ann Waltonsmith; Aileen Kao; Chuck Page; Jill Hunter; Kathleen King Cc: Brian Berg; Barbara Powell; Dave Anderson; John Cherbone; kbores@saratoga.ca.us; Rick Torres; badri_ram @yahoo.com Subject: Re: pedestian crossing on Herriman Dear Saratoga City Council, I'm the mother of the I Oyr old girl involved in the accident. I'm glad to see that knock down sign is installed in the crosswalk on Heniman Ave and Lexington Ct. The other plan to install Bott's dot is not sufficient to solve the problem. Installing the flashing light pedestrian crossing will be more effective. When pedestrians want to cross the road, they can press a button that will cause the lights to flash along the crosswalk. The flashing lights will actually convey the intention of a pedestrian to cross the road and will alert the drivers from a distance that a pedestrian is getting down to the crosswalk. This will also work well in the night. The mechanism is similar to the walk sign at the traffic lights. Kids are more familiar with it and it will help the kids to stop and wait for the lights to flash before getting on to the crosswalk, giving them an extra opportunity to look both sides. I have seen the flashing lights installed along the crosswalk on Miller Ave in Cupertino near Miller Middle School and being more effective in giving the pedestrians the right of way. I'm also told that the streets near the schools in the city of San Jose have flashing lights installed along the crosswalk. I hope the city council will take the extra step to make the roads safe for our kids to walk to School. The more kids walk to School, the less cars on the road. Herriman Ave is a major thoroughfare for the Saratoga High, Redwood Middle and Foothill Elementary schools, investing in making the road safe will be a great benefit for the residents. Thanks, - Sujatha - - -- Original Message - -- From: Karen Perizzolo <kperizzolo @comcast.net> To: Ann Waltonsmith <awaltonsmith @saratoga.ca.us >; Aileen Kao <akao @saratoga.ca.us >; Chuck Page <cpage @saratogaI ca.us >; Jill Hunter <jbunter@saratoga.ca.us >; kk2king@saratoga.ca.us Cc: Brian Berg <brianberg @gmail.com >; Barbara Powell <bpowell@saratoga.ca.us >; Dave Anderson <davea @saratoga.ca.us >; Sujatha M <suja_mudupalli @yaboo.com> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 1:09:28 PM Subject: Re: pedestian crossing on Herriman Thank you for your prompt response. I am copying it to Sujatha Mudapalli, the mother of the injured girl. We had spoken several times since the accident of how to get things moving, but weren't sure of how to get started. It sounds like we've at least started the ball rolling. Karen Perizzolo - - - -- Original Message - --- From: Ann Waltonsmith To: Karen Perizzolo ; Aileen Kao ; Chuck Page; kking @saratoga.ca.us ; Jill Hunter Cc: Brian Berg ;Barbara Powell ; Dave Anderson Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 11:31 AM Subject: RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Dear Karen Perizzolo Thank you for the email on this accident. I had not heard about it. I am passing your email on to our City Manager and Assistant City Manager. I am sure you will be hearing from the City Staff shortly. Thank you Ann Waltonsmith U: pedestian crossing on Herriman Ann Waltonsmith 10 . Vice - Mayor, City of Saratoga Page 4 of 5 From: Karen Perizzolo f mailto :kperizzolona.comcast.netl Sent: Thu 3/15/2007 9:43 AM To: Aileen Kao; Chuck Page; Ann Waltonsmith; kking @saratoga.ca.us; Jill Hunter Cc: Brian Berg Subject: pedestian crossing on Herriman March 15, 2007 Aileen Kao, Mayor Ann Waltonsmith, Vice -Mayor Kathleen King, Council Member Chuck Page, Council Member Jill Hunter, Council Member Dear Members of Saratoga City Council, I read the article in this week's Saratoga News about the pedestrian accident on Big Basin Way with great interest. The Council is to be commended for its rapid response in installing the Botts' Dots and knock down signs at multiple crossings within the village. I am curious to know, however, why the much more serious pedestrian accident at the school crossing on Herriman Ave on February 5, when a ten year old girl ended up hospitalized at Valley Medical Center for more than a week, has received little or no official attention at all. In case you are unaware of the details of this accident, the child (who usually walks home with my daughter from Foothill Elementary, but my daughter was home ill that .day) was walking eastbound on Heniman Ave along the high school around 3:30pm. Two cars were already stopped at the school crossing at Lexington Ct allowing a bicycle to cross. She assumed they had seen her, since one of them waved to her, and she entered the school crossing. Unfortunately, the other driver had not seen her, and hit the accelerator just as the girl entered the cross walk. The car struck the girl, causing a compound fracture of her lower leg. I found it odd at the time that the accident never appeared in the Saratoga News, but thought that might be because it was a child. The child involved remains confined at home, with the school district providing home schooling, because of the severity of the fracture. The paper described the school district's discussion of the accident, where the subject of a crossing guard for this school crossing came up. Foothill's principal was quoted as having instructed her students on making eye contact before crossing the street. Every child has already been told that by their parents a hundred times - does that mean they do it consistently, every time? Of course not! They're kids. It is our job as adults to try and minimize the hazards around them while they gain the maturity to be consistent about safety rules. The consensus of the article was that crossing guards were expensive, and no official action needed to be taken. I drive through this intersection multiple times a day, and it is absolutely unsafe for pedestrians. I have pulled to the right (because I turn onto Lexington to reach my house) and stopped for pedestrians to cross, only to have cars pull past me on the left to zoom by, clearly paying no attention to the law that says they must stop. Crossing there myself, I frequently have to wait for multiple cars to pass before one will deign to stop to allow me to cross. At drop off and pick up time for the schools, it is a hundred times worse, with cars jockeying to turn left into and out of the high school parking lot, which is offset from Lexington just enough that no -one seems to know who has the right of way. Of course, this is the time that our kids, whether they are elementary, middle school or high school age, are trying to cross. If you don't believe me that it is this bad, I challenge you to come out and sit from 8- 8:30am or 3- 3:30pm one day (checking the high school schedule first to make sure they aren't on some alternate schedule that day, since it seems to change week by week just to confuse the parents.) / Something must be done about this pedestrian crossing before another accident, potentially a fatal one, occurs. Botts' dots and knock down signs would be the minimum needed. Several school crossings in Cupertino have lights along them that illuminate in response to a button pressed by a pedestrian wishing to cross. I'm sure these wouldn't be cheap, but RE: pedestiah crossing on Herriman Page 5 of 5 neither would a lawsuit if you fail to act and another accident occurs. A four way stop, to encompass Lexingtbn and the outflow from the high school parking lot might be another alternative. A crossing guard would also work, but'then next year the funding inight evaporate, or there would be an argument over who was paying, and I could easily see this not being a long term solution. A final idea would be a side walk from Lexington to Saratoga - Sunnyvale Ave on the church side of the street, so the kids can cross at the light (this would not solve the high schoolers' problem, because you would never get them to walk the extra distance, but would help the.kids in our neighborhood who want to walk to Foothill.) There is a push right now to get our kids more active, and moaning in the press about why kids don't walk to school anymore the way they did when we were young. I walked to and from school starting in second grade. We, however, had sidewalks, and everyone walked so there were far fewer cars on the road. My daughter is now frightened to walk home from school. Having safe school crossings for our children is part of our city's responsibilities, not just safe intersections in the business district. Please show that Saratoga cares as much for its younger citizens as it does for its consumers. Take action and fix this dangerous school crossing now. Sincerely, Karen Perizzolo, MD 20393 Chalet Lane Saratoga resident since 1993. 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with the Yahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. h ://tools.search. ahoo.com/shortcuts /#news Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. htta•//answers vahoo com/dir/ ?link = list &sid = 396546091 Page 1 of 2 Kristin Borel From: Sujatha M [suja_mudupalli @yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 9:53 PM To: Karen Perizzolo; Kristin Borel; Brigitte Ballingall Subject: Re: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Hi Kristen, Thanks for sending the agenda. Unfortuntely, I won't be able to attend the meeting on Apr 12th. I would request the commission to strongly consider installing a traffic signal. Eventhough it is the most expensive option, it is well suited for that intersection. It will help to have safe pedestrian crossings. From the novice teenage drivers to the busy adults, all would know, well to honor a traffic light and the young pedestrians would know how to wait for the "walk" sign and safely cross the road. -Suj atha - - - -- Original Message - - -- From: Karen Perizzolo <kperizzolo @comcast.net> To: Kristin Borel <kborel @saratoga.ca.us >; suja_mudupalli @yahoo.com; Brigitte Ballingall <brige26 @hotmail. com> Sent: Monday, April 9, 2007 5:29:52 PM Subject: Re: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Hi, all, I will try to attend. this meeting, but may be going camping. I have a couple of thoughts. The first is that if a traffic study is done, it needs to be before school gets out, and on days the high school is in session. The traffic counters need to know the school schedules and count at the peak times to get a sense of how it is on the worst days. For reasons I don't know, Wednesday mornings seem to be the worst, when the high . school starts later, perhaps because the folks going to the high school end up interfering with those of us returning from dropping kids at the elementary schools. Second, although I had some trouble understanding the .first public speaker at the Council meeting at the time, when he was talking about a sidewalk on both sides of Lexington on Herriman, if you look at the corner, he has a point. It would be much safer for pedestrians if there was at least a sidewalk on the corner itself so there was a safe place to stand while waiting to cross, so that the cars doing rapid right turns onto Lexington and not looking where they are going don't run you down while you are waiting or on the close approaches to the corner. Visibility around that corner is poor, and especially if cars are parked there (I know it is a "no parking zone" but I've been watching and at least half the time there are cars parked in that stretch during school hours), pedestrians end up in the middle of the road as they approach the intersection. Thirdly, I believe that since the high school changed its car line drop off pattern to allow only a one way circle through their lot, traffic through our intersection has increased, since cars go through once, turn left into the lot at the entrace past Lexington (causing cars to back up behind them while they wait to turn), then exit at the far end of the high school and often go through a second time on their way out to Saratoga - Sunnyvale. Perhaps this isn't the cause, but it seems like there are many more cars coming from the left as I am trying to turn right onto Herriman in the morning. I know this traffic pattern has been otherwise beneficial, but it may be having mixed results. 4/10/2007 Page 2 of 2 I know my former neighbor, Kathy Waite, asked about speed bumps on Lexington around ten years ago and was told that the city didn't believe in them due to "liability" issues. On the other hand, I've seen speed bumps going in on other streets in recent times. That should be considered in the overall plan. It would help the safety of the intersection by cutting down on cut through traffic, by making it a less attractive route to cut through. A non - safety issue, but to forward to the appropriate body would be the need to pave Lexington in the near future. They keep patching it, but with the amount of traffic It gets, the patches don't hold. Somehow Thelma has been repaved twice since the last time Lexington got repaved... I hope to see you Thursday night. Thank you for looking into this matter. Karen Perizzolo - - -- Original Message - -- From: Kristin Borel To: kperizzolo @comcast.net ; suja mudupalli (cD_yahoo.com Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 4:38 PM Subject: Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Hi Karen & Sujatha, I have attached the Agenda for the Traffic Safety Commission meeting on Thursday, April 12th at 6:30 p.m. It is held in the Administrative Conference Room which is near the City Manager's Office at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue. You item is at the end of the Agenda, so your item would probably not be heard until after 8:00 p.m. I have given the Commission copies of your emails that.you wrote to the City Council, and the Chair of the Commission was present for the April 4th City Council meeting. If you would like them to have any other information, you can send an email to me and I will forward it on to them. I hope that you will be able to attend the meeting. I look forward to meeting you. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408 - 868 -1258 Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q &A for rg eat tips from Yahoo! Answers users. A ii ni)nn'7 Page 1 of 2 Kristin Borel From: William Klett [n2cirrus @sbcglobal.net) Sent: . Wednesday, April 11, 2007 9:53 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Re: FW: Traffic Safety Commission Kristin, Thanks for the updated email. It was my pleasure as well.tallking to you. Know that I appreciated your phone call and efforts to deal with the City traffic problems. Sounds like you have tons of work lined up with all of the citizen requests for various traffic reliefs. I forwarded your email to our neighborhood email list so hopefully you will receive some positive input and some worthwhile suggestions regarding the neighbors concerns. In addition to the speeding and crosswalk incident experiences I mentioned to you, I would like to request that "speed bumps" be considered as a possible soulution to the whole problem. I dislike them; however, I know they work. While I believe speed bumps would alleviate some problems on Herrman, I know it may be difficult to implement the idea as there would probably be much opposition in the form of public protest and funding. The solution to Herriman may only be realized by strict law enforcement, but that is' always an on going effort and subject to availability of traffic patrol. Speed bumps are always present with warning signs and definitely will slow vehiclar traffic, and may even give some protection to the crosswalks. Please consider the speed bump. idea for Lexington as a good remedy to the speeding problem to and from the High School. I do not suggest speed bumps like those on Elva off of 4th street, but rather the dual type which are quite smooth, highly visible and extremely effective. Two dual bumps would be needed on Lexington near the addresses of 13688 and 13749. This would provide for a much slower and safe speed on the street which would make those residents happy as well as those young and old people who walk on the roadway with their books and dogs. Another benefit might be less street maintenance. The heavy fast traffic may have contributed to the continuing pot hole problems; therefore, by adding the "bump" may well save some money in the long run. Just a thought... Please call or email if you have any question or comments. Best regards, Bill Klett 867 -1880 Kristin Borel <Aborel@saratoga. ca. us> wrote: The Herriman item is #11 on. the Agenda, not #10 - sorry for any confusion. - Kristin Kristin Borel om: brian scottoline [brianscottoline @gmail.coml Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 10:42 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: herriman and lexingon court ms. borel, i am writing to you on behalf of the residents of 13676 lexington court. we attended the city council meeting last week and brought up the issue of not only the traffic issues associated with herriman, but also the speeding that occurs throughout the day on lexington court. lexington court is a collector road for the golden triangle leading into herriman, particularly for the high school, as well as an alternative for reaching herriman from saratoga- sunnyvale road, and as residents, we witness constant speeding up and down the road. we appeal to the TSC to consider not only solutions for the problem of herriman road but to consider lexington court as an associated and closely linked issue to be included in solutions for herriman. thank you for your time, brian scottoline malena ramos mitsue ramos Herriman, Lexington and the Heigh School Traffic Problem April 2007 J. Mattox & K Perizzolo — 20393 Chalet Lane, Saratoga The Situation • T' ap IN M. Ir ~, �' f • +r s r 161 " i lot 3 6 ? a High School pir- I '�Jjj r"- �■�' r .Y Ir f r[ � a } rer �r..i�. i. 10 • c n s ,�� •.. l w 49 • Problems • See mapping on overhead photo next page 1. Speeders on Lexington during HS peak periods — dropoff, pickup, lunch 2. No safe way to move along Herriman toward elementary school (westbound) without crossing to HS (south) side — No sidewalk on north side of Herriman — No crosswalk on north side of Herriman /Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road intersection — Many elementary school children need to walk westbound along Herriman from Lexington (and others) to .get to school • Camino Rico, Beaumont, Saratoga Vista also drain into Herriman from north side • Foothill Elementary just short distance west of Herriman /Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road intersection 3. Unsafe to cross to HS side at Lexington - Herriman intersection at peak periods — Distracted drivers — High traffic at peak times — Crazy traffic patterns • Misaligned entry/exit to HS parking lot (See 3A on next page) • Unofficial `drop offs' on Lexington while waiting for stop sign (See 3B on next page) — Evidence: Recent injury accident to student and car crash 4. Unsafe to stand near intersection on north side waiting to cross — Inadvisable to `just assume people will stop' for crosswalk — need to wait for break in traffic but .... • No sidewalks — need to wait on the street itself • Hard for drivers to see onto Lexington when turning from Herriman • Unofficial 'drop offs' in morning on west side Mapping of Problem Areas 7- lea, Aw dw rrIr 4l;,j6 V, r • • Why kids walk on Herriman 406 1 Possible Improvements • Avoid need to cross Herriman — Improve north side walking path • Sidewalk along north side of Herriman • Crosswalk on north side of Herriman /Saratoga - Sunnyvale intersection • Make Herriman- Lexington crossing safer — Align HS parking lot exit with Lexington • Alternatively close it off and have HS lot filled /drained at west and east ends - 4 -way stop sign ($) or traffic light ($$$$) at Herriman /Lexington /aligned HS lot exit — Provide safe places on north side to wait to cross — Prohibit HS dropoffs on Lexington in AM • Slow traffic — Active traffic enforcement on Lexington at HS peak traffic times — Speed -bumps on Lexington and /or Herriman • • t Recommendations 1. Create sidewalk on north side of Herriman from Sunnyvale- Saratoga at least to Beaumont • Reduces elementary schoolers' need to cross Herriman (and a safe place to wait to do so for high- schoolers) 2. Add crossing to north side of Herriman /Sunnyvale- Saratoga Rd intersection • Avoids elementary schoolers having to cross two busy streets at that intersection -first south across Herriman and then cross Saratoga Sunnyvale at existing crossing 3. Align central HS parking lot exit with Lexington (or block it off) 4. If central exit kept- and - aligned, put in 4 -way stop signs at Lexington /Herriman /Parking Lot exit 5. Active traffic enforcement on Lexington at peak times 6. Speed bumps on Lexington and /or Herriman RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Traffic Matrix ##186 Kristin Borel From: Barbara Powell Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 5:07 PM To: John Cherbone; Kristin Borel Subject: FW: pedestian crossing on Herriman Hi John or Kristin, Did you already respond to this? Thanks! Barbara From: Karen Perizzolo [mailto:kperizzolo @comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 11:25 AM To: Aileen Kao; Sujatha M; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Jill Hunter; Kathleen King Cc: Brian Berg; Barbara Powell; Dave Anderson; John Cherbone; kbores @saratoga.ca.us; Rick Torres; badri_ ram @yahoo.com Subject: Re: pedestian crossing on Herriman Could you please inform us of the meeting schedule of the traffic and safety commission so that we can attend the meeting? Thank you. Karen Perizzolo - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: Aileen Kao To: Sujatha M ; Karen Perizzolo ; Ann Waltonsmith ; Chuck Page ; Jill Hunter ; Kathleen King Cc: Brian Berg ; Barbara Powell ; Dave Anderson ; John Cherbone ; kbores @saratoga.ca.us ;Rick Torres ; badri ram(a)yahoo.com Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 1:11 PM Subject: RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Dear Ms. Sujatha Mudupalli, Thanks for sharing your thoughts with all of us. Please note that all matters in regards to traffic and safety will go to staff and traffic and Safety commission for further detailed discussion, study planning and etc. Council members will not be able to discuss any issues via email exchange and we follow the Brown Act which keeps us all within legal boundary. Thank you. Aileen Aileen Kao Mayor, City of Saratoga - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Sujatha M [mailto:suia mudupalli@yahoo.com] Sent: Fri 3/16/2007 10:50 AM To: Aileen Kao; Karen Perizzolo; Ann Waltonsmith; Chuck Page; Jill Hunter; Kathleen King 4/5/2007 RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Page 2 of 5 Cc: Brian Berg; Barbara Powell; Dave Anderson; John Cherbone; kbores , saratoga.ca.us; Rick Torres; badri ram@yahoo.com Subject: Re: pedestian crossing on Herriman Hello Ms Kao, Thanks for your very prompt response. I'm very impressed with the 24 -hr turnaround in installing the knock -down sign and Bott's dots after Karen sent her first email. I look forward to seeing the flashing lights installed very soon. I also request the city to study the traffic congestion on Herriman Ave and come up with a long term solution.Herriman Ave is majorly congested during the morning and evening school hours, it will only get worse as more and more high school seniors drive to school. Some kind of grandiose plan would be required to solve the problem.One of our neighbors suggested two great plans: 1. Move the High School main entrance to Sunnyvale- Saratoga road which can handle heavy traffic (there is already a back entrance to High School from Sunnyvale- Saratoga road). - The advantage of this plan is the Herriman entrance can be used mainly by pedestrians. This will encourage majority of the kids in the "Golden Triangle" bike or walk to School. I can easily see this will reduce atleast 100 cars during the peak hours. 2. Align the High School entrance with Lexington Ct and add traffic signal to streamline traffic in the 4 -way intersection. After the bad experience we are very scared of letting our daughter walk or bike to School. My daughter and her friend were planning to bike to the Middle School but now both the girls and the parents are scared to let them do it. We can't help but add to the traffic mess by driving them to School. We only live 1 -2 blocks away from High School. Unless the street crossing on Herriman is made very safe, we will be very apprehensive of letting them walk even to High School. Thanks in advance for making the roads safe for the kids. - Sujatha - - - -- Original Message - - -- From: Aileen Kao <akao @saratoga.ca.us> To: Sujatha M <suja_mudupalli @ yahoo.com>; Karen Perizzolo <kperizzolo @comcast.net >; Ann Waltonsmith <aaltonsmith @saratoga.ca.us >; Chuck Page <cpage @saratoga.ca.us >; Jill Hunter <jhunter @saratoga.ca.us >; Kathleen King <kk2king @saratoga.ca.us> Cc: Brian Berg <brianberg @gmail.com >; Barbara Powell <bpowell @saratoga.ca.us >; Dave Anderson <davea @saratoga.ca.us >; John Cherbone <jherbone @saratoga.ca.us >; kbores @saratoga.ca.us; Rick Torres <rtorres @saratoga.ca.us >; badri_ram @yahoo.com Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 12:53:47 AM Subject: RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Dear Ms. Sujatha Mudupalli, Thanks for your sharing your thoughts with us. Since the first email from Ms. Karen Perizzolo, many email responses have followed and actions have been taken from staff. We wanted to assure everyone that the safety of our residents is the utmost important concern of our City Government. Your suggestions of flashing lights for the crosswalk will be discussed by the staff and they will respond with appropriate plan(s). Again, I am very sorry that your child was injured and we will take every possible measure to ensure the safety of our residents. Thank you. Aileen Aileen Kao 4/5/2007 RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Page 3 of 5 Mayor, City of Saratoga - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Sujatha M [mailto:suja mudupalli@yahoo.com] Sent: Thu 3/15/2007 10:13 PM To: Karen Perizzolo; Ann Waltonsmith; Aileen Kao; Chuck Page; Jill Hunter; Kathleen King Cc: Brian Berg; Barbara Powell; Dave Anderson; John Cherbone; kbores @saratoga.ca.us; Rick Torres; badri_ram @yahoo.com Subject: Re: pedestian crossing on Herriman Dear Saratoga City Council, I'm the mother of the I Oyr old girl involved in the accident. I'm glad to see that knock down sign is installed in the crosswalk on Herriman Ave and Lexington Ct. The other plan to install Bott's dot is not sufficient to solve the problem. Installing the flashing light pedestrian crossing will be more effective. When pedestrians want to cross the road, they can press a button that will cause the lights to flash along the crosswalk. The flashing lights will actually convey the intention of a pedestrian to cross the road and will alert the drivers from a distance that a pedestrian is getting down to the crosswalk. This will also work well in the night. The mechanism is similar to the walk sign at the traffic lights. Kids are more familiar with it and it will help the kids to stop and wait for the lights to flash before getting on to the crosswalk, giving them an extra opportunity to look both sides. I have seen the flashing lights installed along the crosswalk on Miller Ave in Cupertino near Miller Middle School and being more effective in giving the pedestrians the right of way. I'm also told that the streets near the schools in the city of San Jose have flashing lights installed along the crosswalk. I hope the city council will take the extra step to make the roads safe for our kids to walk to School. The more kids walk to School, the less cars on the road. Herriman Ave is a major thoroughfare for the Saratoga High, Redwood Middle and Foothill Elementary schools, investing in making the road safe will be a great benefit for the residents. Thanks, - Sujatha - - - -- Original Message - - -- From: Karen Perizzolo <kperizzolo @comcast.net> To: Ann Waltonsmith <awaltonsmith@saratoga.ca.us >; Aileen Kao <akao @saratoga.ca.us >; Chuck Page <cpage @saratoga.ca.us >; Jill Hunter <jhunter @saratoga.ca.us >; kk2king @saratoga.ca.us Cc: Brian Berg <brianberg @gmail.com >; Barbara Powell <bpowell @saratoga.ca.us >; Dave Anderson <davea @saratoga.ca.us >; Sujatha M <suja_mudupalli @yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 1:09:28 PM Subject: Re: pedestian crossing on Herriman Thank you for your prompt response. I am copying it to Sujatha Mudapalli, the mother of the injured girl. We had spoken several times since the accident of how to get things moving, but weren't sure of how to get started. It sounds like we've at least started the ball rolling. Karen Perizzolo - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: Ann Waltonsmith To: Karen Perizzolo ; Aileen Kao ; Chuck Page ; kking @saratoga.ca.us ; Jill Hunter Cc: Brian Berg ; Barbara Powell; Dave Anderson Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2007 11:31 AM Subject: RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Dear Karen Perizzolo Thank you for the email on this accident. I had not heard about it. I am passing your email on to our City Manager and Assistant City Manager. I am sure you will be hearing from the City Staff shortly. Thank you Ann Waltonsmith 4/5/2007 RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Ann Waltonsmith Vice - Mayor, City of Saratoga From: Karen Perizzolo [mailto:kperizzolo@comcast.net] Sent: Thu 3/15/2007 9:43 AM To: Aileen Kao; Chuck Page; Ann Waltonsmith; kking @saratoga.ca.us; Jill Hunter Cc: Brian Berg Subject: pedestian crossing on Herriman March 15, 2007 Aileen Kao, Mayor Ann Waltonsmith, Vice -Mayor Kathleen King, Council Member Chuck Page, Council Member Jill Hunter, Council Member Dear Members of Saratoga City Council, Page 4 of 5 I read the article in this week's Saratoga News about the pedestrian accident on Big Basin Way with great interest. The Council is to be commended for its rapid response in installing the Botts' Dots and knock down signs at multiple crossings within the village. I am curious to know, however, why the much more serious pedestrian accident at the school crossing on Herriman Ave on February 5, when a ten year old girl ended up hospitalized at Valley Medical Center for more than a week, has received little or no official attention at all. In case you are unaware of the details of this accident, the child (who usually walks home with my daughter from Foothill Elementary, but my daughter was home ill that day) was walking eastbound on Herriman Ave along the high school around 3:30pm. Two cars were already stopped at the school crossing at Lexington Ct allowing a bicycle to cross. She assumed they had seen her, since one of them waved to her, and she entered the school crossing. Unfortunately, the other driver had not seen her, and hit the accelerator just as the girl entered the cross walk. The car struck the girl, causing a compound fracture of her lower leg. I found it odd at the time that the accident never appeared in the Saratoga News, but thought that might be because it was a child. The child involved remains confined at home, with the school district providing home schooling, because of the severity of the fracture. The paper described the school district's discussion of the accident, where the subject of a crossing guard for this school crossing came up. Foothill's principal was quoted as having instructed her students on making eye contact before crossing the street. Every child has already been told that by their parents a hundred times - does that mean they do it consistently, every time? Of course not! They're kids. It is our job as adults to try and minimize the hazards around them while they gain the maturity to be consistent about safety rules. The consensus of the article was that crossing guards were expensive, and no official action needed to be taken. I drive through this intersection multiple times a day, and it is absolutely unsafe for pedestrians. I have pulled to the right (because I turn onto Lexington to reach my house) and stopped for pedestrians to cross, only to have cars pull past me on the left to zoom by, clearly paying no attention to the law that says they must stop. Crossing there myself, I frequently have to wait for multiple cars to pass before one will deign to stop to allow me to cross. At drop off and pick up time for the schools, it is a hundred times worse, with cars jockeying to turn left into and out of the high school parking lot, which is offset from Lexington just enough that no -one seems to know who has the right of way. Of course, this is the time that our kids, whether they are elementary, middle school or high school age, are trying to cross. If you don't believe me that it is this bad, I challenge you to come out and sit from 8- 8:30am or 3- 3:30pm one day (checking the high school schedule first to make sure they aren't on some alternate schedule that day, since it seems to change week by week just to confuse the parents.) Something must be done about this pedestrian crossing before another accident, potentially a fatal one, occurs. Botts' dots and knock down signs would be the minimum needed. Several school crossings in Cupertino have lights along them that illuminate in response to a button pressed by a pedestrian wishing to cross. I'm sure these wouldn't be cheap, but 4/5/2007 RE: pedestian crossing on Herriman Page 5 of 5 neither would a lawsuit if you fail to act and another accident occurs. A four way stop, to encompass Lexington and the outflow from the high school parking lot might be another alternative. A crossing guard would also work, but then next year the funding might evaporate, or there would be an argument over who was paying, and I could easily see this not being a long term solution. A final idea would be a side walk from Lexington to Saratoga - Sunnyvale Ave on the church side of the street, so the kids can cross at the light (this would not solve the high schoolers' problem, because you would never get them to walk the extra distance, but would help the kids in our neighborhood who want to walk to Foothill.) There is a push right now to get our kids more active, and moaning in the press about why kids don't walk to school anymore the way they did when we were young. I walked to and from school starting in second grade. We, however, had sidewalks, and everyone walked so there were far fewer cars on the road. My daughter is now frightened to walk home from school. Having safe school crossings for our children is part of our city's responsibilities, not just safe intersections in the business district. Please show that Saratoga cares as much for its younger citizens as it does for its consumers. Take action and fix this dangerous school crossing now. Sincerely, Karen Perizzolo, MD 20393 Chalet Lane Saratoga resident since 1993. 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with the Yahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut. hqp:Htools.search.yahoo.com/shortcuts/#news Need Mail bonding? Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q &A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. hgp:Hanswers.yahoo.com/dir/ ?link= list &sid = 396546091 4/5/2007 Traffic Matrix #190 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION — Traffic complaint Form DATE: 3/26/07 NAME: Michael McCann ADDRESS: 12777 Brookglen Drive (across from Greenbrook Ct.) _ PHONE: 253 -2632 EMAIL: mmmnmracinna earthlink.net DISCUSSION SCHEDULED FOR TSC MEETING: 6/7/07 DESCRIPTION OF TRAFFIC ISSUE: Speeding concerns on Brookglen Drive. Brookglen is a cut through between Cox and Prospect and has a large straight stretch in which vehicles speed. Pagel of 2 Kristin Borel From: M. McCann [mmmnmracin @earthlink.net] Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 9:27 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Letter for TSC Kristin - Hopefully this is NOT too late for your meeting next week. So, with regard to the traffic issue on Brookglen Drive... We have lived on Brookglen Drive for close to 20 years. During this time the neighborhood had gone from primarily retirees to young families raising small children. My family is a mix of the retired and young family - I'm retired from 13 years of Palo Alto police department, 12 years Public Works in Santa Clara. My daughter is 8 years old. My wife works at home. The speeding issue was addressed several years ago (7 -9 years ?). At that time alternatives to slowing traffic were presented to a group of homeowners for their consideration: additional stop signs, lines on the street, speed bumps, active enforcement, etc. The general consensus at that time was pretty sad ranging from "I don't want a stop sign in front of MY house," "Speed bumps are ugly," "Round - abouts have been tried before," etc. Seemed to be primarily cosmetic concerns not solutions. Brookglen continues to be the quickest/shortest route between Cox and Prospect Road, AM to PM, school hours, weekends, pretty much all the time. Speeding tickets have been issued to "transients" using the neighborhood for the quick cut - through AND residents. Brookglen is divided up into three sections - marked off by stop signs. Section one: Prospect to Brookview is a straight shot. The street appears to be wider due to the lack of curvature. This, the longest section of the street, has 3 courts entering the street from the left. Section 2: Brookview to Bellwood is curved and appears to narrow so (hopefully) traffic slows. Section 3: Bellwood to Brockton is also curved and has one court entering from the right. A traffic survey was conducted a couple weeks ago on the first section of the street. I do not believe it ran a full week. On another note, I don't know about you, but when I see the traffic survey lines draped across the street, I automatically check my speedometer. (perhaps THAT's the solution!) I would like to know what the survey turned up. You cringe as you hear cars scream down the street, praying you don't hear a "thunk" and brakes locking up. We don't let our daughter play in the front yard. And, if we do go bike riding, we take our bikes to what we consider to be a quieter street in the neighborhood: Palmtag, Woodside, etc. A number of our neighbors, with and without young children, feel the same way. We would welcome the chance to reopen the dialog to SLOW DOWN the traffic on Brookglen Drive. And personally, if you would like to put a Stop Sign, Round - about, or a speed bump in front of our house, we would welcome it! Please keep me informed as to the when /where of the next meeting. I look forward to meeting you. - Michael McCann 12277 Brookglen Drive - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: Kristin Bore] To: mmmnmracin @earthlink.net 5/31/2007 08/09/2007 14:07 4088681278 CITY OF SARATOGA Traffic Matrix #197 August 9, 2007 Public Works Department: My name is LaRoue Kirwan and I live at 1.9961 Braemar Drive. We purchased our home in the year of 1990. During this period, most home owners in the area were older with grown families. The traffic was mostly regulated by the neighborhood. Today the area is slowing changing to younger owners with small children. Since the stop light was installed at Saratoga Avenue and Scotland Drive, Braemar Drive has become a short cut through the neighborhood to reach Saratoga Ave. and in .reverse from Saratoga Ave. back through the neighborhood. My neighbors are also concerned about the speed that the traffic travels day and night seven days a week. We are looking for help in controlling the excessive speed. Sincerely, LaRoue Kirwan 19961 Braemar Drive Saratoga, CA 95070 408 -867- 7113 Fax from : 4888681278 08/09/07 13:51 Pg: 2 Traffic Matrix ##202 Kristin Borel From: Iveta Harvancik Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 3:59 PM To: Rejaie, Ali Cc: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Speed Limit Concern in Cox Ave. Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Green Mr. Rejaie, I am sorry for not getting back to you sooner. For some unknown reason, your email was blocked as a spam mail. I am forwarding your request to Kristin Borel who is a City liaison to Traffic Safety Commission that reviews traffic calming requests. Kristin will get back to you regarding the review /approval process shortly. Thank you. Iveta Harvancik Associate Engineer (408) 868 -1274 - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Rejaie, Ali [ mailto :arejaie @BiggsCardosa.com] Sent: Friday, August 10, 200711:57 AM To: Iveta Harvancik Subject: Speed Limit Concern in Cox Ave. Hi Iveta, I am a resident of the city of Saratoga and stopped by the office to see and talk to you about a traffic concern that I have. Unfortunately I missed the chance since you were not at the office at the time and got your contact information from the help desk lady. My address is 18676 Cox Ave. and we have a really serious concern with traffic speed in our street. Due to the fact that Cox Ave. has been used as the main corridor between Quite Rd. and Saratoga to access HWY 85 and the Quito shopping center, it has a very high volume of traffic. Since the only segment of Cox Ave. that is residential between Quito Rd. and Saratoga St. is limited to about 10 houses at each side of the street, most of the drivers cruise significantly above the speed limit. This seriously increases the risk of accidents along the street since here is no sidewalk or designated bike lane that usually works as a buffer zone to reduce the risk of accidents. Besides most of the time when we want to get to the street from our drive ways, it takes long time to get a window of opportunity especially when we need to cross both lanes. Last but not least when children are playing in the front yards, any ball that falls in the street is a potenial for a fatal accident. My observations led me to believe that police officers did a wonderful and Admirable job issuing several citations to control the driving speed in Cox Ave. but unfortunately it has been only a short term solution in the est case scenario. After my studies about how to remedy I came up wth the proposal of adding a speed bump approximately in mid - length of the street to force drivers in reducing their speed. This solution is adopted in many similar scenarios including Paseo Lado which is the adjacent stress to Cox Ave. from south side. I truely wish you study this request and if in agreement execute speed bump construction at the earliest possible time. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. Regards, Ali Rejaie, PhD, PE Biggs Cardosa Associates, Inc. Structural Engineers City of Saratoga Public Works Department MEMO TO: Traffic Safety Commission FROM: Kristin Borel DATE: October 4, 2007 RE: CIP Items The attached item is from the City's Capital Improvement Project (CIP) List. There are seven items that were approved from TSC that were not implemented due to financial constraints. They were added to the CIP this fall to try and obtain funding. During the City Council's review of the new projects, they asked if the TSC would review the list and prioritize them. John Cherbone will report your prioritization to the Council at the next CIP review. New CIP Projects Originating from TSC Herriman Avenue Crosswalk Crosswalk enhancements located on Herriman New Project FY 07/08. $50k at Lexington and $25K at Saratoga Vista. Approved by TSC on 6/07/07. Funding Improvements: Avenue @ Lexington and Saratoga Vista. $75,000 Unidentified. Herrman Avenue Sidewalk New Project FY 07/08. Funding option to place walkway inside Asphalt sidewalk/pathway leveling course of roadway. Approved by TSC on 6/07/07. Funding Improvements Option 1: between AC berm and PCC Curb. $50,000 Unidentified. New sidewalk/pathway along the south side New Project FY 07/08. Funding option to place walkway Herriman Avenue Sidewalk including retaining walls and landscape outside of roadway. Approved by TSC on 6/07/07. Funding Improvements Option 2: modifications. $150,000 unidentified. Pedestrian Refuge Area at Center refuge area and crossing improvements on New Project FY 07/08. Approved by TSC on 4/12/07. Funding Quito/McCoy Intersection: Quito Road at McCoy. $15,000 unidentified. Glen Brae Avenue Median Concrete median choker on Glen Brae Avenue for New Project FY 07/08. Approved by TSC on 2/15/07. Funding Choker: traffic calming. $15,000 unidenified. Walking Path on one side of Komina adjacent to New Project FY 07/08. Approved by TSC on 2/09/06. Funding Komina Walking Path: Oak Street School. $75,000 unidentifed. Saratoga Elementary School Driveway and Sidewalk Driveway and sidewalk modification to increase New Project FY 07/08. Approved by TSC on 2/09/06. Funding Modification: capacity of drop -off lane. 1 $70,000 unidentified.