HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-2023 TSC Agenda PacketSaratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 1 of 4
SARATOGA
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
AGENDA
May 11, 2023
AMENDED AGENDA
• 05/08/2023 INFO SHEET FOR ITEM 10 TM 561 REVISED TO SHOW
CORRECT LOCATION. SHERIFF’S REPORT LINKED.
• 05/11/2023 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ADDED TO TSC MATRIX 392, 542,
AND 559.
• 05/16/2023 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ADDED TO TSC MATRIX 542.
• 05/23/2023 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ADDED TO TSC MATRIX 542.
DATE: May 11, 2023
TIME: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
LOCATION: Administrative Conference Room
13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070
Public Participation Information
In accordance with Saratoga City Council’s Remote Public Participation Policy, members of the
public may participate in this meeting in person at the location listed below or via remote
attendance using the Zoom information below.
Members of the public can view and participate in the meeting by:
1. Attending the meeting in person at the City Hall Linda Callon Conference Room, located
at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070; OR
2. Accessing the meeting through Zoom
• Webinar URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87056515247
• Webinar ID: 870 5651 5247
• Call In: 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833 (enter the Webinar ID provided above when
prompted)
Public Comment
Members of the public may comment on any item for up to three (3) minutes. The amount of
time for public comment may be reduced by the Chair or by action of the Traffic Safety
Commission. Public Comment will begin with speakers attending in-person first followed by
those attending via Zoom.
As always, members of the public can send written comments to the Commission prior to the
meeting by commenting online at www.saratoga.ca.us/tsc prior to the start of the meeting. These
emails will be provided to the members of the Commission and will become part of the official
record of the meeting.
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 2 of 4
During the meeting the Chair will explain the process for members of the public to be recognized
to offer public comment.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
Jason Mount (Chair), Robert Eng (Vice Chair), Chi-Kuang Chu, Alec Gulesserian, Stephen
Li
III. REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly
posted on May 4, 2023.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Any member of the public may address the Commission for up to three (3) minutes on
matters not on the agenda. The law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or
taking actions on these items. The Commission may choose to place the topic on a future
agenda.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
03-09-2023 TSC MINUTES – Draft
Recommended Action:
Approve March 9, 2023 Minutes
VI. SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION
Sheriff’s Report
• March - April citation summary and collision statistics
VII. OLD BUSINESS
1. TSC Matrix 392 – Mendelsohn Ln
Noticing and responses
Comments received as of 05-04-2023
Comments received in 2019
Comments (2023-05-05 & 2023-05-06)
Recommended Action:
Hear resident feedback and approve plans
2. TSC Matrix 502 – Ravenwood Dr
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
3. TSC Matrix 542 – Saratoga Ave and Ranfre Ln
Comments received as of 05-04-2023
Comments (2023-05-11)
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 3 of 4
Additional Comments (2023-05-11)
Additional Comments (2023-05-11)
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
4. TSC Matrix 553 – Marilyn Ln
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
5. TSC Matrix 555 – Carrick St
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
6. TSC Matrix 556 – Beaumont Ave
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
7. TSC Matrix 557 – Quito Rd between Allendale Ave and Westmont Ave
Comments received as of 05-04-2023
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
8. TSC Matrix 559 – Aloha Ave at Highway 9
Comments (2023-05-08)
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
9. TSC Matrix 560 – Dorchester Rd at Plymouth Dr
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
10. TSC Matrix 561 – Pierce Rd, South of Sarahills Dr
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
11. TSC Matrix 562 – Saratoga Ave btwn Cox Ave and Lawrence Expy
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 4 of 4
IX. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES
12. Staff and Commission Updates
a. TSC Project Updates
b. City Events
c. TSC Handbook
d. Announcements
Recommended Action:
Accept updates.
X. COMMISSION ITEMS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
I, Emma Burkhalter, Associate Engineer, of the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing
agenda for the meeting of the City Council was posted and available for review on May 4, 2023
at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California and on the City's website
at www.saratoga.ca.us.
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials
provided to the Traffic Safety Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda, copies of
materials distributed to the Traffic Safety Commission concurrently with the posting of the
agenda, and materials distributed to the Traffic Safety Commission by staff after the posting of
the agenda are available on the City Website at www.saratoga.ca.us. Following removal of
State and local shelter in place orders these materials will be available for review in the office of
the Public Works office at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California.
In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in
this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at bavrit@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as
soon as possible before the meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable
accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public
safety.
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 1 of 4
SARATOGA
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
March 9, 2023
I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:30 PM
II. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Jason Mount (Chair), Robert Eng (Vice Chair), Alec Gulesserian, Stephen Li
ABSENT: Chi-Kuang Chu
STAFF PRESENT: Ashley Weiss, Emma Burkhalter
III. REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly
posted on March 2, 2023.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Any member of the public may address the Commission for up to three (3) minutes on
matters not on the agenda. The law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or
taking actions on these items. The Commission may choose to place the topic on a future
agenda.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
01-12-2023 TSC MINUTES – Draft
Recommended Action:
Approve January 12, 2023 Minutes
ENG/MOUNT MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1)
BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
VI. SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION
Sheriff’s Report
• January - February citation summary and collision statistics
VII. OLD BUSINESS
1. TSC Matrix 392 – Mendelsohn Ln
Recommended Action:
Approve draft speed hump plan and Area of Influence
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 2 of 4
ENG/GULESSERIAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED AREA OF
INFLUENCE AND DRAFT PLANS. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1) BY THE
FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
2. TSC Matrix 502 – Ravenwood Dr
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
MOUNT/ENG MOVED TO BRING THIS ITEM BACK TO THE NEXT TSC
MEETING WITH ADDITIONAL INCREMENTAL APPROACH IDEAS AND
ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK FROM RESIDENTS. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1) BY
THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
ENG MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO CREATE A CIP PROJECT FOR
SIDEWALK ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF RAVENWOOD DRIVE. MOTION
FAILED, NO SECOND.
3. TSC Matrix 534 – Reid Ln
Recommended Action:
Review residents’ comments and make a recommendation.
ENG/LI MOVED TO KEEP CURRENT SPEED HUMP LAYOUT AND DIRECT
STAFF TO MOVE FORWARD WITH CONSTRUCTION. MOTION PASSED (4-0-
0-1) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
4. TSC Matrix 542 – Saratoga Ave and Ranfre Ln
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
MOUNT MOVED TO CONTINUE DIRECTED ENFORCEMENT AT RONNIE
WAY/PORTOS DRIVE STOP SIGN.
ENG MADE A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO ALSO HAVE DIRECTED
ENFORCEMENT AT MYREN DRIVE/PORTOS DRIVE STOP SIGN.
MOUNT APPROVED THE AMENDMENT. ENG SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG,
GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
5. TSC Matrix 550 – Fruitvale Ave at Farwell and at Three Oaks Way
Recommended Action:
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 3 of 4
Review the item and make a recommendation.
ENG/GULESSERIAN MOVED TO INSTALL RECTANGULAR RAPID FLASHING
BEACONS FOR THE CROSSWALKS AT BOTH LOCATIONS AT THE SAME
TIME THAT LIGHTING IS INSTALLED. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1) BY THE
FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
6. TSC Matrix 551 – Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd between Oak St and Herriman Ave
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
MOUNT/ENG MOVED TO REQUEST DIRECTED ENFORCEMENT ON THE
STRETCH OF SARATOGA-SUNNYVALE ROAD BETWEEN HERRIMAN
AVENUE AND SARATOGA AVENUE. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1) BY THE
FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
7. TSC Matrix 553 – Marilyn Ln
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
DEFERRED TO FUTURE MEETING.
8. TSC Matrix 555 – Carrick St
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
DEFERRED TO NEXT MEETING DUE TO WEATHER PREVENTING THE
COLLECTION OF SPEED DATA
9. TSC Matrix 556 – Beaumont Ave
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
DEFERRED TO NEXT MEETING DUE TO WEATHER PREVENTING THE
COLLECTION OF SPEED DATA
10. TSC Matrix 557 – Quito Rd between Allendale Ave and Westmont Ave
Comments
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
DEFERRED TO NEXT MEETING DUE TO WEATHER PREVENTING THE
COLLECTION OF SPEED DATA
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 4 of 4
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
11. TSC Matrix 558 – Shadow Oaks Way
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
MOUNT/ENG MOVED TO INSTALL DOUBLE YELLOW CENTERLINE AT
EACH OF THE THREE CURVES ON SHADOW OAKS WAY PLUS ADD
SIGNAGE OR MARKINGS TO WARN OF BIKES/PEDESTRIANS/CHILDREN.
MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG,
GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
IX. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES
12. Staff and Commission Updates
a. TSC Project Updates
b. City Events
c. TSC Handbook
d. Announcements
Recommended Action:
Accept updates.
X. COMMISSION ITEMS
a. City staff to present overview of Safe Routes to School at the next meeting and
discuss how TSC can be involved (recommending projects, etc.)
XI. ADJOURNMENT – 10:41 PM
Respectfully Submitted by
Emma Burkhalter, Public Works staff for the City of Saratoga
Page 1 of 5
#392 Mendelsohn Ln
Date Received: 2017
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Mendelsohn Ln
Description of traffic safety
concern:
Speeding on Mendelsohn Ln.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Request for speed bumps.
TSC Action: 5/11/17: COMMISSIONER CHOI MOTIONS TO RESTRIPE MENDELSOHN AS
NEEDED.
COMMISSIONER COULTER GAVE SECOND MOTION. (5-0-0)
COMMISSIONER COULTER GAVE MOTION TO REVISIT PLACING SPEED BUMPS
ON MENDELSOHN.
COMMISSIONER HARRIS GAVE SECOND MOTION. (5-0-0)
9/12/19: COMMISSIONER MCINTYRE MOTIONED TO REEVALUATE TRAFFIC
CALMING MEASURE THROUGH MENDELSOHN CORRIDOR WITH FOCUS AT
THE CORNER.
Page 2 of 5
COMMISSIONER KANE GAVE SECOND MOTION.
APPROVED 6-0-0 (COMMISSIONER COSYN ABSENT)
COMMISSIONER MCINTYRE MOTIONED TO INSTALL 25 MPH INPAVEMENT
SIGNS AT EACH END OF MENDELSOHN LANE.
MOTIONED FAILED.
COMMISSIONER MCINTYRE MOTIONED TO SEND LETTERS TO MENDELSOHN
RESIDENTS WITH PROPOSED TRAFFIC PLAN.
COMMISSIONER FITZSIMMONS GAVE SECOND MOTION.
6-0-0 (COMMISSIONER COSYN ABSENT)
COMMISSIONER AFTAB MOTIONED TO DIRECT ENGINEER TO DEVELOP
TRAFFIC CALMING MEAUSRES FOR THE CORNER. (RESCINDED MOTION)
3/12/20: COMMISSIONER COULTER MOVED TO ADOPT TRAFFIC ENGINEER
PLAN AND TO ADD REFLECTORS.
COMMISSIONER MCINTYRE GAVE SECOND MOTION.
APPROVED (4 YES, 0 NOS, 0 ABSTENSION, 2 ABSENT, 1 VACANCY)
1/14/21: KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. MOTION
PASSED BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHOI,
COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
7/8/21: AFTAB/VASANTHA MOTIONED FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO MEASURE
SPEEDS ON MENDELSOHN LN AGAIN ONCE SIGNS HAVE BEEN PUT AND TO
TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION COMMISSION VASANTHA’S RECOMMENDATION
TO TAKE SPEEDS AT POINT IN THE ROAD WHERE CARS HAVE BEEN RECORDED
BY RESIDENT’S SECURITY CAMERA. MOTION PASSED (5-0-1-0) BY VERBAL
ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
12/1/22: MOUNT/AFTAB MOTIONED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH CITY-LED
SPEED HUMP PROCESS. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL.
AYES: AFTAB, CHU, ENG, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT:
NONE.
03/09/23: ENG/GULESSERIAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED AREA OF
INFLUENCE AND DRAFT PLANS. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1) BY THE
FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
Staff Action: Plans prepared by Fehr & Peers in August 2020. Plans fully implemented in
November 2021.
Staff sent out notices to the Area of Influence homes on 03/21/2023 with a
response deadline of 04/20/2023.
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19896
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14691
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1974014681
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2014014821
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PIEDMONT RDBONNIEBRAE LNTHREE OAKS WAY
PEACHHILL
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DMONTALVORDHORSESHOE DRPEPPER LNHUME DR
FARWELL CTN HORSESHOE DRBE
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WINN RDMONTALVO RDMENDELSOHN LN
MENDELSOHN LN THREE OAKS CTVILLA MONTAL
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BONNIE BRAE WAY
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Matrix #392 - Area of Influence
March 9, 2023
2013020230
Bonnie Brae WayINSTALL ADVANCE WARNING MARKINGSFOR SPEED HUMPSMendelsohn LnMendelsohn LnPiedm
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INSTALL ADVANCE WARNING MARKINGSFOR SPEED HUMPSMendelsohn LnBonnie Brae WayRancho Bella VistaPiedm
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Rd Mendelsohn LnMendelsohn LaneTraffic Calming PlanCity of SaratogaFigure 1CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLYLEGENDPROPOSED SPEED HUMPN.T.S.
Mendelsohn LaneTraffic Calming PlanCity of SaratogaFigure 2CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLYSPEED HUMP ADVANCE WARNING MARKINGS DETAIL2 FT8 FT10 FT12 FT14 FT16 FT18 FT20 FT100 FT8 FT7 FT6 FT5 FT4 FT3 FT2 FT1 FT12" WHITE PAVEMENT MARKINGSLEADING EDGE OF SPEED HUMPSPEED TABLE DETAILCENTER OF ROADWAYCENTER OF TRAVEL LANE12" WHITE12"6 FT1.6 FT3 14 INPLAN VIEWSECTION B-B3 FT(MAX)4 FT4 FTSECTION A-ABBAA
1.6 FT10 FTPARABOLICFLAT3 14 IN
Incorporated October 22, 1956
CITY OF SARATOGA
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 868-1200
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Belal Aftab
Kookie Fitzsimmons
Chuck Page
Tina Walia
Yan Zhao
Dear Resident,
The City of Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission was asked to review a traffic safety concern on Mendelsohn Lane
and provide a solution for the speeding that was occurring. Based on the traffic engineer’s findings that the
prevailing speeds on Mendelsohn Lane were upwards of 36 MPH, the Commission recommended the installation
of two speed humps. You are receiving this letter because you are within the determined Area of Influence for
these speed humps.
The attached map shows the two speed humps that are proposed, along with any pavement markings, striping,
and/or signage that will be installed concurrently. Per the Commission’s Speed Hump Process, City staff would like
to invite you to share any concerns you may have about this proposed plan, in writing, on or before Thursday,
April 20, 2023. The Traffic Safety Commission will perform a final review of the proposed plans at their next
regular meeting on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 6:30 PM.
Due to the extent of the speeding on Mendelsohn Lane, only input from residents within the Area of Influence is
being considered at this time. A map of the approved Area of Influence is also attached to this letter.
Written concerns may be emailed to eburkhalter@saratoga.ca.us, delivered in person to City Hall, or mailed to:
Traffic Safety Commission
Attn: Emma Burkhalter
13777 Fruitvale Ave
Saratoga, CA 95070
by April 20, 2023. Written concerns must include your name(s), street address, mailing address (if different), and
contact information.
All other comments, including comments of support, may be submitted via the methods above and/or given
verbally at the May 11th meeting.
If you have any questions about the survey or the Commission, please contact Traffic Safety Commission Liaison,
Emma Burkhalter, at (408) 868-1274 or by email at eburkhalter@saratoga.ca.us. More information about the
Commission can be found at www.saratoga.ca.us/tsc.
Sincerely,
Public Works Department
City of Saratoga
14820
20067
20045
15100
15160
20150
20171
14900
20017
20161
20101
20115
14671
20151
20191
15121
15305
15081
20176
15050
14698
14760
14870
15277
20100
14691
14911
20130
15195
15195
20224
20200
20170
20160
14628
19831
14695
20141
19870
20022
14770
15230
20141
19761
20161
14744
19980
14651
15111
20121
15020
14860
20150
15139
14903
15315
20040
19765
19920
15140
14890
19921
15091
20200
15172
14800
19720
19733
19853
14835
19915
15041
19921
20238
19897
19896
15180
20180
19916
19852
14661
19950
15168
14691
20183
1974014681
14930
2014014821
19700
19935
14721
20107
14860
20077
1521115255
20140
15211
20252
20252
15221
20120
14701
14720
15150
14850
20131
15060
20061
20170
14945
14855
14672
15177
19891
20141
20181
14655
19875
14766
20087
20120
14840
20076
19730
14920
15000
20017
14810
20150
14740
15307
14690
19874
14781
19770
14700
15177
14725
20190
14720
14890
20201
14768
20231
15101
20015
15180
20125
20171
14582
19908
14900
20152
20090
15141
20191
19731
20100
14850
20261
14670
15185
14918
15195
14866
20121
14880
20040
20000
20190 15050
19861
15181
14650
15181
20110
20097
20021
19990
19892
14635
14870
14606
15235
20080
14780
20130
15199
15090
15166
14675
15097
15041
19931
14702
14861
15200
15100
20127
19911
15052
20018
20011
PIEDMONT RDBONNIEBRAE LNTHREE OAKS WAY
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DMONTALVORDHORSESHOE DRPEPPER LNHUME DR
FARWELL CTN HORSESHOE DRBE
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MENDELSOHN LN THREE OAKS CTVILLA MONTAL
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BONNIE BRAE WAY
HILL AVE FARWELL AVEFARWELL AVEPARK DR
PARK DR
Matrix #392 - Area of Influence
March 9, 2023
2013020230
Bonnie Brae WayINSTALL ADVANCE WARNING MARKINGSFOR SPEED HUMPSMendelsohn LnMendelsohn LnPiedm
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INSTALL ADVANCE WARNING MARKINGSFOR SPEED HUMPSMendelsohn LnBonnie Brae WayRancho Bella VistaPiedm
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Rd Mendelsohn LnMendelsohn LaneTraffic Calming PlanCity of SaratogaFigure 1CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLYLEGENDPROPOSED SPEED HUMPN.T.S.
Mendelsohn LaneTraffic Calming PlanCity of SaratogaFigure 2CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLYSPEED HUMP ADVANCE WARNING MARKINGS DETAIL2 FT8 FT10 FT12 FT14 FT16 FT18 FT20 FT100 FT8 FT7 FT6 FT5 FT4 FT3 FT2 FT1 FT12" WHITE PAVEMENT MARKINGSLEADING EDGE OF SPEED HUMPSPEED TABLE DETAILCENTER OF ROADWAYCENTER OF TRAVEL LANE12" WHITE12"6 FT1.6 FT3 14 INPLAN VIEWSECTION B-B3 FT(MAX)4 FT4 FTSECTION A-ABBAA
1.6 FT10 FTPARABOLICFLAT3 14 IN
From:Christine Rutti
To:Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Traffic concern on Mendelsohn
Date:Monday, March 27, 2023 10:30:35 AM
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Dear Ms. Burkhalter,
Our family has lived at since 1988. We raised 3 children here.
At no time in the past 33 years have we had an issue regarding the traffic.
Occasionally a car exceeds the speed limit but it is infrequent enough to be of
no concern.
This is a non issue and installing speed bumps doesn't accomplish a thing except denigrating the
neighborhood and wasting taxpayer money.
We do not need speed bumps on Mendelsohn.
Thank you,
Peter & Christine Rutti
From:Tom Lerone
To:Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Speed humps on Mendelsohn
Date:Wednesday, April 12, 2023 10:03:47 AM
Attachments:TSC meeting notes 91219.pdf
RBV Speed bump responses 21413.pdf
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Hi Emma,
This is in follow up to your letter regarding proposed speed humps on Mendelsohn Lane. We
are strongly opposed to the proposal.
A similar proposal has come up three times: in 2013, 2017 and 2019 and was rejected each
time.
The attached notes were read at the Traffic Safety Commission meeting on September 12,
2019 and the first page discusses the reasons we do not believe physical speed barriers on
Mendelsohn are needed or desirable. All of the issues raised still apply so we were extremely
surprised and upset to see the issue of speed barriers being proposed for the fourth time.
One issue raised in the notes and closing paragraph was safety concerns related to the sharp
turn where Mendelsohn changes direction. An action item coming from the meeting was to
develop an alternative traffic calming plan to address that area.
In November 2020 Mendelsohn residents were sent a traffic safety plan developed by the City
traffic engineer, which was implemented a few months later. Those changes greatly improved
visibility and safety at the curved section of Mendelsohn. In addition, centerline and shoulder
striping was added along all of Mendelsohn; the uphill lane width on the Los Gatos section
was widened several feet to address a pedestrian safety concern; the sidewalk from
Rancho Bella Vista to Saratoga Los Gatos Road was repaired and resurfaced; and handicapped
access was added at the Mendelsohn-Rancho Bella Vista corners, all of which improving
safety.
The second page of the notes addresses issues on how resident feedback has been handled,
going from request for confidential feedback in 2013 to referencing an hoc and selective
petition gathering in 2019. This new proposal doesn't reference any basis or new information
since the 2019 decision. If anything, the substantial improvements discussed in the preceding
paragraph have made Mendelsohn safer than it has ever been.
One final point is that the "Area of Influence" map continues to exclude all other Rancho Bella
Vista residents. Rancho Bella Vista can only be accessed via Mendelsohn and the same
considerations would apply to those residents. Attached FYI is a statement signed by all
Rancho Bella Vista residents in 2013, all in opposition to speed bumps. There has been
minimal turnover on our street and we would expect a similar result if residents were surveyed
again now.
Please provide this information for consideration by TSC members. I'll also mail you hard
From:Larry Pott
To:Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Traffic safety commission-Mendelsohn Lane speed humps
Date:Sunday, April 16, 2023 8:39:15 AM
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clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Dear Traffic Safety Commission,
C/O Emma Burkhalter,
The information you sent lacked actual signage digital graphics (size/color and placement).
The actual marked locations were rather vague as well.
Since we live in the area of influence I would like to see “exactly what would be installed either on the roadway
and/or standing up on the roadway as well as the exact locations of all items”?
Until I see this more clearly I am against your proposed plan as I will not want something installed in my back-front
yards area of view.
From what I could ascertain it seemed to me you could move the hump and signage East towards Saratoga Los
Gatos road more directly at which are not in the area of influence and would be less cumbersome to all
neighbors.
So if you would like to email or send more exact information including xxx- marks the spot and digital references I
would be more likely to support and/or change my current vote of no-confidence based on insufficient information.
Thanks for your consideration.
Larry Pott
Sent from my iPhone
putting bumps in the road.
· Studies show adding speed impediments to residential areas decrease property values
and have a negative effect on quality of life.
· Adding barriers and related signage would make a nice rural area look like a dangerous
speed zone, while inconveniencing and annoying residents on a daily basis.
· We are not aware of a single instance of anyone being injured by a car or any moving car
collisions on Mendelsohn.
· Cars going over bumps and then accelerating creates noises, reduces fuel efficiency and
contributes to increased air pollution.
· Speed bumps slow down emergency vehicles.
· Cars sometimes swerve outside the lane to avoid speed bumps, endangering pedestrians.
· The first Mendelsohn entrance coming from Los Gatos is the clearest marked and safest
entrance. Residents may decide to use the second entrance to avoid going over bumps,
but that entrance is not well marked and with a sharp turn and blind spot turning onto
Mendelsohn so would create a safety issue.
· The issue of speed bumps was rejected twice, in 2013 and 2017, and there have been no
noticeable changes in traffic volumes or speed levels since then.
We also have issues with how feedback on this issue was handled:
· When first raised by the city in 2013 the city sent residents a Mendelsohn Speed Bump
Survey to be completed and sent back confidentially to the city.
· The 2013 survey was only sent to residents living directly on Mendelsohn and not on
Rancho Bella Vista, which can only be accessed via Mendelsohn.
· When the issue was again raised in 2017, residents were notified and had an opportunity
to respond to the city, which led to a second decision not to proceed with speed bumps.
· The August 15 notification that the issue was being revisited made reference to a petition
from Mendelsohn residents. We were not asked to sign a petition and understand others
living on Mendelsohn were not either.
· Getting feedback by a selective door-to-door solicitation can be awkward and intimidating
and the city should use the same approach as earlier by requesting confidential feedback.
We understand there are concerns, especially with respect to the sharp turn where Mendelsohn
changes direction. An alternative solution could involve adding clear signage depicting a
sharp upcoming turn with appropriate reduced speed notice.
Christine & Tom Lerone
From: nancyt0111@aol.com
Sent: Monday, September 9, 2019 11:27 AM
To: Mainini Cabute <mcabute@saratoga.ca.us>
Subject: Speet tables on Mendelsohn
Dear Mainini, I am a resident at and recently received your notice of the Traffic SafetyCommittee Mtg being held on September 12th. Thank you so much for keeping us updated and your kindattention. I'm afraid I will not be able to attend the meeting, but as a Mendelsohn resident, thought itimportant to voice that I am opposed to this proposal. I have spoken with neighbors and we are hopefulthat there might be a better solution for the issue than these speed tables. Thank you again so very much,Nancy Tkalcevic
SUPPORT
From: Catherine Thermond <>
Sent: Monday, September 2, 2019 12:57 PM
To: 'ilaria.keogh@gmail.com' ; Mainini Cabute <mcabute@saratoga.ca.us>
Cc: John Cherbone <jcherbone@saratoga.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Mendeslsohn Speed tables
Hi all,
My apologies for this late reply but my dad passed away unexpectedly in mid-August and I have been overwhelmed with things to do.
I have a conflict with the Traffic Safety meeting; I am tied up until at least 7:30 or 8:00pm. How long do the meetings usually run? Where is this item on the agenda? If possible, I will try to come late or at least write a letter before then.
It seems like there is no opposition to the speed bump that is proposed between my house and the Pott house. At least that would slow the traffic on our end of the road. I am curious why there are only 2 bumps proposed on Mendelsohn given that there are 3 on Three Oaks and Mendelsohn is almost twice as long as Three Oaks. The general area where the second bump has been proposed will do almost nothing to slow down traffic on the opposite end of Mendelsohn from me. If there were a third bump, putting one close to Ilaria would make sense and the third could go near the other end where there was less opposition. I do not understand how a few neighbors in opposition to the bumps get to override valid safety concerns.
We have been in our home over 23 years and although there have always been people who speed, it has gotten worse over time. I walk Mendelsohn usually twice a day and I can tell you that almost no one drives the posted limit. Speeds of 40+ mph are not uncommon. It is not limited to construction traffic or Montalvo traffic; there are neighbors (at least one who is in opposition to the bumps) who accelerate to the corner. Last month, I was almost hit crossing from Mendelsohn at Ilaria's to Hill. The pick up came around "dead man's curve" as the neighbors tell me it used to be called, at about 35 mph. I hollered "slow down" and he stopped the truck to yell at me. He said he was only going 30 -35 and I just got scared. Get over it. I told him the speed limit was 25 and he reiterated that he was hardly over it at all. The road is just an accident waiting to happen, especially on the curve where pedestrians can't see the traffic coming. And as we know from Ilaria's experience, sometimes the traffic is coming so fast that it hits parked cars on the turn.
Something needs to be done and soon.
Cathie
From: Lingling Sun
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2019 3:57 PM
To: Mainini Cabute <mcabute@saratoga.ca.us>
Cc: Ilaria Keogh ; Owen
Subject: Re: TSC Meeting on proposed speed tables on Mendelsohn Lane
Hi,
I cannot go to the meeting. I am a home owner on I want to give my full support to Ilaria
regarding to add speeding bump.
Regards, Lingling
From: Hilary Rodoni
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2019 1:13 PM
To: Mainini Cabute <mcabute@saratoga.ca.us>
Subject: RE: TSC Meeting on proposed speed tables on Mendelsohn Lane
I will not be able to attend due to a prior engagement. I fully support having the speed
bumps on Mendelsohn.
Having them closer to the Hwy9 intersection would be better as it would slow folks down
as they enter Mendelsohn
Thank you
Hilary Rodoni
From: Margie Montgomery
Sent: Thursday, June 6, 2019 12:21 PM
To: Mainini Cabute <mcabute@saratoga.ca.us>; Ilaria Keogh
Subject: Speed bumps on Mendelshon
Dear Mainini,
I have lived at the curve on Mendelshon for 28 years. I am in total support of speed
bumps on Mendelshon. When the many neighborhoods filter onto Mendelshon, the
drivers speed up because they believe they have left "their" neighborhood and race to
get where they are going. Being at the curve , I hear all the squealing tires making
the curve too fast. People are totally racing down the street, it seems mostly in the
evening. I think the speed bumps you have installed in other neighborhoods are safe
to go over at the lower speeds, and they will help protect our children and
neighbors on our part of the road.
This reminds me of when a stop sign was installed at the base of Hill Ave. Once that
was installed,
I no longer saw near 'head on collisions' because of people crossing over into the
other lane at the blind corner. The same simple solution is needed here now. I feel the
speed bumps are needed to better protect our families. Those very people that are
speeding thru our neighbor I feel would not tolerate it front of their homes. We can't
either.
Sincerely,
Margie Montgomery
OPPOSED
From: Peter Rutti
Sent: Wednesday, September 4, 2019 4:20 PM
To: Mainini Cabute <mcabute@saratoga.ca.us>
Subject: Speed tables
Dear Mainini,
This letter is a followup to our conversation yesterday regarding speed tables on Mendelsohn Lane. We've been on Mendelsohn for 30 years and from our experience and observation speeders are few and far between so we don't see a need for the City to spend tax dollars on speed tables.
We are not in favor of speed tables with related signs on Mendelsohn Lane and certainly would not want them near us since they would devalue our property, increase noise, pollution and other road hazards. There are other traffic calming solutions that are far more effective than speed tables.
We are disappointed that from the inception we were not included nor made aware of the speed table issue by the petitioner which leaves those of us on Mendelsohn who find speed tables unnecessary at a disadvantage.
We sincerely hope the City of Saratoga will recognize there is no need for this proposed expenditure.
Very truly yours,
Peter and Christine Rutti
p.s. Please confirm receipt of this email, thank you.
From: Tom Lerone
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2019 7:34 PM
To: Mainini Cabute <mcabute@saratoga.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Mendelsohn Lane Speed tables
Ms Cabute,
We were extremely surprised and upset to see the issue of speed barriers on Mendelsohn Lane being
raised for a third time following decisions not to proceed in 2013 and 2017 (the latter documented in
your email to me dated October 10, 2017). Attached is my letter and the petition signed by all residents
of Rancho Bella Vista in opposition to the original proposal.
Mendelsohn Lane loops around to Los Gato-Saratoga Road so is not a thoroughfare or cut-through
street, so has limited traffic and is mostly used by local residents and service personnel. Adding speed
impediments and related signage would be an eyesore and make a nice rural area look like a dangerous
speed zone, while unnecessarily inconveniencing and annoying residents on a daily basis. The change in
ambiance could also decrease property values.
On a safety note, the first Mendelsohn entrance coming from Los Gatos has clear signage with the
yellow pedestrian signs and a generous median divide to slow down before turning left onto
Mendelsohn, so is the obvious preferred choice coming from that direction. Residents may decide
instead to go out of their way to avoid going over speed bumps by taking the Mendelsohn entrance on
the Saratoga side. That entrance and staging area is not well marked and is a hairpin turn which is
already dangerous as there is a blind spot turning onto Mendelsohn, so increasing traffic at that end is a
bad idea.
Your letter also references traffic engineer evaluation of traffic volumes and speeds, was this a
reference to earlier studies or new information since the 2017 decision? We haven't noticed any recent
testing taking place or an increase in traffic volumes, which remain very light. We did an unscientific
count of cars on Mendelsohn last Friday between 5:00 and 6:00 and there were a total of 28 cars (12
going Saratoga direction, 16 going Los Gatos direction), or less than one car every two minutes. None of
the cars seemed to be speeding. My home office and some side rooms face Mendelsohn and it is a rare
occurrence to see a car speeding by.
I think most residents who would be affected were unaware that this issue had been reopened. Given
the prior objections and decisions not to proceed, a more appropriate process would involve notifying
residents in the area that the issue was again being revisited and asking for feedback. I'm not aware
than any other of the residents on our street were made aware.
Look forward to your response and next steps.
Sincerely,
Christine & Tom Lerone
From:Shie-rei Huang
To:Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Mendelson Lane
Date:Monday, April 3, 2023 7:42:33 PM
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Hi Emma,
This is Shierei Huang, owner of . If I have a vote, I would vote
against adding speed bumps on Mendelson Lane. This lane is short and drivers naturally have
to slow down when entering or exiting this lane from and to Saratoga -Los Gatos Rd.
Speeding on this Lane generally is not a problem. Most people know to slow down on this
short and curlly residential street. A driver who speeds most likely is intentional. Speed humps
will not stop such drivers. They also may drive high clearance vehicles or trucks, which they
are not bothers by the speed humps. On the contrary, they may enjoy going over humps in
high speed. . As a resident in this neighborhood, I also have concerns about the car noises due
to all drivers having to stop and accelerate at bumps
Thanks,
-Shierei
From:James Lindsay
To:John Cherbone; Emma Burkhalter
Cc:Crystal Bothelio
Subject:FW: Online Form Submittal: Council Comments Form
Date:Wednesday, April 5, 2023 12:57:27 PM
From: noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 5, 2023 12:40 PM
To: Chuck Page <cpage@saratoga.ca.us>; Yan Zhao <yzhao@saratoga.ca.us>; Belal Aftab
<baftab@saratoga.ca.us>; Tina Walia <twalia@saratoga.ca.us>; Kookie Fitzsimmons
<kookie@saratoga.ca.us>; James Lindsay <jlindsay@saratoga.ca.us>; Britt Avrit
<bavrit@saratoga.ca.us>; Crystal Bothelio <cbothelio@saratoga.ca.us>
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Council Comments Form
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Council Comments Form
Your Name Mark Weisler
Phone Number
Email Address
Subject Speed Bumps on Mendelsohn Lane
Comments Dear Council,
It has come to my attention that the Saratoga government is
considering speed bumps on Mendelsohn Lane. I am opposed to
the idea for reasons given below.
First of all let me somewhat qualify myself by saying that I am a
commercial rated pilot, former motorcycle racer, and motorist for
many decades so I have a pretty good ability to estimate vehicle
speed. I've lived on Hill Avenue for decades and the route to my
home is via Mendelsohn Lane so I feel I have standing in this
matter. I need to use Mendelsohn to get to my home.
Indeed, we have a problem with speeding on residential streets
but not just on Mendelsohn. [1] I am in favor of enforcing speed
laws, especially in residential areas. I believe radar technologies
offer a superior way to enforce these laws. Photo radar is much
less expensive to enforce than sworn officers and is more
objective.
Speed bumps:
* Unnecessarily cause wear and damage to vehicle suspension
and tires.
* Compromise safety as cars, motorcycles, and bicyclists
maneuver over the bumps or try to avoid them, maybe even
encroaching on sidewalks and pedestrians.
* Punish every single driver, including law abiding ones, every
time they bounce over a speed bump.
* Unnecessarily cause air pollution. It is well known that a steady
speed produces less pollution than during acceleration. By
imposing speed bumps government would be causing more, and
unnecessary, pollution as a vehicle accelerates after slowing for
a speed bump. This is against everything Saratoga City Council
and the California government stand for.
* Increase fuel consumption as vehicles accelerate after slowing
for a bump.
* Are uncomfortable and may distract drivers from their main task
of driving.
* Contribute to noise pollution as well as air pollution.
* Shift traffic to nearby streets. For example, the speed bumps on
Three Oaks Way have shifted discretionary traffic to Farwell
making the residents of Farwell exposed to more than their "fair
share" of vehicle traffic.
* Would harm my property value. I don't like that.
The timing of this issue is interesting considering that we have
had for some time a young man I allege was living at
driving a Porsche at somewhat high speeds
on Mendelsohn Lane, Montalvo Road, and other streets during
day and night hours. I tried to take video of his speeding but was
never quick enough to do so. I'm sure his lawlessness generated
some complaints. But the house in which he lived was sold in
March of this year and the Porsche is no longer here. It would be
quite an irony to put in speed bumps now that a contributor to the
residential speeding problem is no longer in our neighborhood.
It does not appear that the City of Saratoga government has
given serious consideration to photo radar or other ways of
enforcing speed laws and explained their decision making
process to the residents of Saratoga.
Photo radar speed detection and forwarding of excessive speed
events to law enforcement is well established in other areas and
has been for decades. Saratoga should use radar to enforce
speeding laws rather than atavistic speed bumps.
[1] A few days ago, while walking on Piedmont with friends who
witnessed the event, a small BMW sedan sped down the street
at a speed of at least 55 mph. Piedmont has no shoulders and no
sidewalks. Again, this illustrates that the speeding problem is not
limited to Mendelsohn.
Very sincerely, Mark Weisler,
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From:Venkat Ratnam
To:Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Proposed speed bumps on Mendelsohn Lane ..
Date:Tuesday, April 11, 2023 3:45:08 PM
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Hi Ms. Burkhalter,
I received a letter from the City of Saratoga about the proposed two speed bumps on
Mendelsohn Lane and since I am within the area of influence. A map was not attached to the
letter. As a result, I don't know where the speedbumps are going to be installed. Please email
it to me.
The most dangerous part is where Mendelsohn curves (where Bonnie Brae Lane meets it). You
need to have a speed bump installed on either side of the curve. That's where people speed
the most. In addition, there should be one each on both ends of Mendelsohn.
Additionally, the road is very bad where Mendelsohn curves and where Bonnie Brae Lane
meets. Lot of trucks make it through that curve and the condition of the road is very bad. It
needs to be paved.
Thanks!
Venkat Venkataratnam
Walking East toward Hwy 9 / Three Oaks Way
In addition, there is flashing cross walk at the end of Mendelsohn near Hwy 9 / Three Oaks Way, but
it does not connect to any sidewalk path on Mendelsohn Lane.
As a side note, the
From:Dana Evan
To:Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Mendelsohn Rd Speed Bump Proposal
Date:Tuesday, April 18, 2023 10:33:36 AM
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clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Good morning Emma,
Thank you for sending your recent letter regarding this proposal.
I am supportive but would suggest two speed bumps on Mendelsohn- one after the intersection of Piedmont between
that location and the curve where the Bonnie Brae/Hill intersection is and then another half way down the straight
section of Mendelsohn before the Hwy 9 intersection.
Thank you,
Dana Evan
Saratoga
Sent from my iPhone
From:Tom Lerone
To:Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Re: Speed hump follow up
Date:Wednesday, May 3, 2023 2:41:01 PM
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Hi Emma,
Thanks for the information and look forward to getting info on how and where speeds were
measured.
In looking at the Residential Speed Hump Process and your April letter, a few observations:
A key measurement point (item V) is whether 85th percentile speeds are at least 10 MPH above the
posted speed limit. If no, it becomes a resident-led speed hump process, if yes, it becomes a city-led
speed hump process. The resident-led process requires the city to send out a survey to residents in
an Area of Influence (item R7) and receive responses to the survey showing at least 80% approval
including 100% from bump-adjacent properties (item R8). The city-led process only requires the TSC
to hear concerns at a TSC meeting.
Your April letter referenced speeds upwards of 36 MPH or 11 MPH above the limit. Even assuming
the measurements were done correctly, with only a one mile per hour variance to the process limit
it would seem appropriate to conduct a survey with a similar approval requirement before
proceeding. (the closing paragraph of your April letter made reference to a survey but that may
have been an oversight).
From a safety standpoint, Mendesohn is safer now than ever before following the city investment in
excellent traffic calming measures completed in November 2021, which addressed safety on the
curved section of the street, addition of signage, centerline and shoulder striping, widened lane
widths on the Los Gatos direction section, as well as pedestrian and handicapped sidewalk
improvements.
All of the reasons bumps were not approved in 2013, 2017 and 2019 are still valid. As long time
residents we are not aware of a single Mendelsohn accident involving cars or pedestrians.
Regards,
Tom
Tom Lerone
From:Dan Lankford
To:Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Speed Bumps on Mendelsohn Ln
Date:Friday, May 5, 2023 2:09:53 PM
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clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Hi Emma,
This subject has been discussed multiple times in the past, and there have been a few modifications to the lane
markings on Mendelsohn in an attempt to slow traffic. In spite of previous efforts there continues to be a substantial
number of drivers that ignore the 25mph speed limit. Some cars appear to be traveling over 45 MPH or more. I
STRONGLY support speed bumps on Mendelsohn ln.
Thanks!
Dan Lankford
From:nancyt0111@aol.com
To:Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Mendelsohn Traffic/Safety Issue
Date:Saturday, May 6, 2023 4:48:17 PM
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Dear Ms. Burkhalter,
I am a resident at and understand a Traffic Commission meeting is being held
this week to discuss adding speed bumps on Mendelsohn to hopefully slow traffic. I just want to share
that I completely support this initiative after living here for 27 years and witnessing first hand how
dangerous the speeds have become up and down our street. It has concerned me for several years, but
is now a major issue and definitely in need of intervention. Please note that I offer my full support and
thank you in advance for your assistance in keeping our neighborhood safe and sound.
Thank you so much,
Nancy Tkalcevic
Page 1 of 4
#502 Ravenwood Drive
Date Received: April 12, 2021
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Ravenwood Dr. and Quito Rd.
Description of traffic safety
concern:
People speed down Ravenwood and there are little children living there. Also,
school traffic uses this road and parents also speed.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Put a speed bump and/or do whatever else can be done to slow the traffic.
Previous TSC Action: 7/8/2021: VASANTHA/KANE MOTIONED TO SET UP SPEED RADAR FEEDBACK
TRAILER ON RAVENWOOD DR. MOTION PASSED (6-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL
CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
AFTAB/COULTER MOTIONED TO 1. COMMUNICATE TO RESIDENTS AND
OTHER ROAD USERS THAT THE TSC IS LOOKING AT SPEED BUMP PROCESS
AND TO COME BACK ONCE FINALIZED. 2. TSC TO REVISIT AFTER SCHOOL IS
OPEN AND COLLECT DATA. MOTION PASSED (6-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL.
Page 2 of 4
AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
11/4/2021: AFTAB/KANE MOTIONED TO DEFER TO JANUARY MEETING WHEN
DATA WILL HAVE BEEN COLLECTED. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-2) BY VERBAL
ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, AFTAB, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. ABSENT: VASANTHA, CHU.
1/13/2022: COULTER/AFTAB MOTIONED TO PUT SPEED TRAILERS OUT ASAP
FOR TWO WEEKS AND FOLLOW TRAFFIC ENGINEER’S RECOMMENDATION TO
ADD SHOULDER STRIPING ON THIS SECTION OF RAVENWOOD DRIVE.
MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: AFTAB, COULTER,
CHU, COSYN. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
03/09/2023: MOUNT/ENG MOVED TO BRING THIS ITEM BACK TO THE NEXT
TSC MEETING WITH ADDITIONAL INCREMENTAL APPROACH IDEAS AND
ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK FROM RESIDENTS. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1) BY THE
FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
ENG MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO CREATE A CIP PROJECT FOR SIDEWALK ON
THE SOUTH SIDE OF RAVENWOOD DRIVE. MOTION FAILED, NO SECOND.
23'50'50'8'8'Ravenwood DriveParking LanesFigure 11:90CONCEPTUAL - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. ADDITIONALDETAILED ANALYSIS AND ENGINEERING DESIGN REQUIRED.PAINT SOLID WHITE LINE TOADD 8' SHOULDERPAINT DASH WHITELINE (50' MIN.)8' MIN. SHOULDERS WITH23' BETWEEN SHOULDERS50' CENTERLINE50' CENTERLINE
From:Brenda Stribling
To:Emma Burkhalter
Cc:Daryl Hoot
Subject:Ravenwood Dr Street Striping = Not Agreed
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 11:28:21 PM
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Hi,
I have been referred to you by my neighbor, Daryl Hoot, who has been speaking for the neighbors on
Ravenwood Dr, our street, regarding the solutions to speeding of Marshall Lane parents from Quito to
Marshall lane in the AMs and PMs and the safety of those families and children who both live on the
street and walk to school daily.
I, my husband and daughter have lived on Ravenwood Dr for 22 years. I have seen some speeding and
mostly not. We live at - 3 houses from the Quito corner, where cars might start to speed up after
turning the corner. As it can be problem, we do feel that the wide majority of school families do NOT
speed, so there is SOME, but not a lot of speeding, as the city has found. In today's sensitive world, we
do understand the fear of something like what occurred not far away in SJ a few years back (last year?)
happening wherein a child's death is due to a speeding car. We do understand Saratoga's preference to
not install speed bumps, as much as that might help. What we do not understand is the thought that
striping the road on both sides will be a solution. It is our feeling that this will be a more dangerous
proposal than leaving the street as it is.
Please consider NOT striping the street. Striping the street will produce 3 results:
1. The street will appear to be a busy street that handles a lot of traffic at all times and will provide the
drivers a feeling of moving at a quick pace - the opposite of what is intended.
2. The striping will provide the drivers a feeling of 'safe haven' to drive at a pace that is still unsafe,
however also leaving them with the feeling that pedestrians are now safe from their speeding as they
should be within the sides of the street opposite the striped lines.
3. The pedestrians most at risk = very young children who do not understand the limits of the "implied" flat
barrier will not be protected truly from the cars on the street. The stripe is s psychological 'barrier' at most
and young children's impulses do not factor into that - it is simply unsafe and not a smart choice.
Please consider these points. We had a young daughter at one time and would not consider the striping
a safe solution. We would worry more if she were told that a stripe would save her. Please. Please
consider the smartest choice.
Thank you,
Brenda and Rob Stribling
Page 1 of 3
#542 Saratoga Ave and Ranfre Ln
Date Received: July 29, 2022
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Saratoga Avenue and Ranfre Drive
Description of traffic safety
concern:
Ranfre Drive is one entrance into the Gardiner Park neighborhood where I
live. Cars from outside the neighborhood turn on to Ranfre from Saratoga as a
"cut through" way to either get to West Valley College, Redwood Middle
School or to the Farmer's Market. The heavy additional traffic created by
"outside" cars negatively affects the integrity of the neighborhood, adding
high volume traffic and high speed, which puts pedestrians, bicyclists and
young children at risk, (Neighbors have placed signs are in lawns "Drive like
you live here" "Children Playing" ) This is a residential neighborhood not a
connecting road to colleges, schools, markets. Traffic needs to stay on the
main road, Saratoga Avenue, as intended (city planning) to be and not disrupt
the peaceful setting of a neighborhood, nor put its residents at risk, especially
during the morning hours of 7 am -9 am when Portos Drive (in Gardiner Park)
becomes a speedway. At certain times of the day, neighbors can not even pull
out of their driveways due to all the cars turning off Saratoga Ave to take a
"short cut" through our neighborhood. City Planning has delegated main
artery roads like Saratoga Ave, Fruitvale Avenue and others as major carriers
of traffic. Side streets in neighborhoods were never designed or intended to
absorb high traffic volume. By allowing this "cut-through" situation to
continue, the quality of the neighborhood is compromised, and diminished,
safety becomes a huge issue. car noise is magnified and simply
Page 2 of 3
going for a stroll is frightening for those who live here.
As the population continues to grow in and around Saratoga, this "cut
through" situation will only worsen. Neighbors have asked for speed bumps in
Portos, which is one solution, but not the best one, as it adds to extra noise
when delivery trucks, and cars barrel over them. "Outside" cars will still
continue to cut through, so the issue is not totally resolved. Your
responsibility as traffic commissioners is to uphold and enforce traffic flow, as
it is intended, on the main roads. Not addressing this issue is a disservice to
all who live here.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Traffic commission: this cut -through issue is an easy fix. I am requesting a
sign to go at the intersection of Saratoga Avenue (on the median turn area)
and Ranfre that reads: "No Left Turn 7 am - 9 am" This one sign will solve the
"cutthrough" issue and keep cars on the main road, as intended, with
"outside" or "cut-though" cars not straying off the main road and terrorizing
neighbors. in neighborhoods.
I have spoken to my neighbors about this idea, and they are in solid
agreement, this would solve the issue and keep traffic on the main artery,
Saratoga Ave, as it is intended. No one from our neighborhood is entering
into Ranfre at this hour (7am-9am), only cut through traffic. No landscape or
construction workers should be entering and making noise either. If a car
from our neighborhood needs to enter during 7-9 am, it can do so on Dagmar,
on those rare occasions when a neighbor might enter Gardiner Park
neighborhood during those early hours.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this concern.
Previous TSC Actions: 01/12/2023: ENG/MOUNT MOTIONED TO ADD A NO U-TURN SIGN. MOTION
PASSED (3-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: CHU, ENG, MOUNT. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
MOUNT/ENG MOTIONED TO ASK THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE
DIRECTED ENFORCEMENT AT LOCATION WITH MOST CUT-THROUGH TRAFFIC.
MOTION PASSED (3-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: CHU, ENG, MOUNT.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
03/09/2023: MOUNT MOVED TO CONTINUE DIRECTED ENFORCEMENT AT
RONNIE WAY/PORTOS DRIVE STOP SIGN.
ENG MADE A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO ALSO HAVE DIRECTED
ENFORCEMENT AT MYREN DRIVE/PORTOS DRIVE STOP SIGN.
MOUNT APPROVED THE AMENDMENT. ENG SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG,
GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU.
Page 3 of 3
Additional Details On 8/20/22, resident also requested a No U-Turn sign at this intersection for
southbound traffic on Saratoga Avenue. Note that there is an existing No U-
Turn sign for northbound traffic.
Staff Action: Traffic Engineer collected new speed data/traffic counts for Ranfre
neighborhood in February 2023.
From:noreply@civicplus.com
To:Britt Avrit; Crystal Bothelio; Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Online Form Submittal: Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form
Date:Sunday, November 27, 2022 5:50:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments
or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form
Your Name
Phone Number
Email Address
Comments I live on Ronnie Way. I am opposed to a no left turn sign on
Saratoga Avenue for traffic turning onto Ranfre, even if it is
limited to 7-9 am. There are several reasons for this: 1. it will just
move through traffic to Dagmar, and from there to Ronnie and
then to Portos. Then there will be complaints from those
residents. This will not stop people who want to take the short cut
through the neighborhood and by pass the lights at Scotland,
Fruitvale and Allendale and the traffic caused by Redwood and
West Valley College. 2. The left hand turn lane at the light from
Saratoga Ave to Dagmar is very short. Added traffic in that lane
will back up onto Saratoga Ave, causing traffic blockage. The left
hand turn lane can handle a lot more cars. 3. It would be an
inconvenience to residents of Gardiner Park, especially those
who live on Ronnie Way, Wendy, and Oahu. 4. Owners of
houses on Ranfre bought their houses knowing Ranfre was a
main entrance to Gardiner Park. 5. It would be very hard to
police--a lot of resources would be spent having the sheriff's
department giving out tickets. It would be better to have a sheriff
on Ronnie or Portos on occasion to give tickets to speeders and
drivers who don't stop at the stop signs. And if there is a problem
with cars driving too fast on Ranfre, then that street also should
have a Sheriff on it on occasion to hand out tickets. 6. Before any
decision is made, I think the City should conduct a study to
determine how much traffic is entering on Ranfre and then taking
Ronnie to Portos and through to Allendale. It would also be
useful to have a speed monitor set up to notify drivers of their
speed--I see these in use in the Golden Triangle area. 7. The
entire neighborhood should be polled first before such a drastic
restriction is made to our entrance to our neighborhood.
In my opinion, there are two reasonable and workable solutions:
First, a yield sign at the end of Ranfre where it meets Ronnie
Way. This will slow down traffic turning onto Ronnie. Second, a
speed bump where Ronnie Way meets Portos. I walk by that
intersection every day with my dog. I estimate that 80% of the
cars do not come to a full stop and about 20% of the cars barely
slow down. A speed bump where the stop line is located would
definitely slow cars down. I disagree with the complainant that
speed bumps result in excess traffic noise from trucks.
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Traffic concerns Facing
Gardiner Park
Please Agendize these 3 items As Action Items to be
reviewed and discussed:
1.UTurn Sign Facing Wrong Direction
2. Cut-Through Traffic from Saratoga Ave
3. St. Andrews morning drop off congestion
UTURN sign on at the Saratoga Avenue
and Ranfre intersection median is fac in
the wrong direction –and because of
ERROR in Placement– presents real
accident concerns.
Sign Facing Wrong Way
UTurn sign on at the Saratoga Avenue and
Ranfre intersection median is facing in the
wrong direction –and because of this
ERROR in Placement– presents real
accident concerns.
Request: The No UTurn Sign should face
cars heading in the Southbound
direction-facing towards 85 ) where you
see the silver back of the sign now)
(PHOTO example)
There is no pocket or separate
turn lane (left of median) to
accept Uturn(ing )cars driving
Northbound from Saratoga
(Sign should face towards 85)
where the
NO UTURN sign is posted.
The sign addresses a
non-existing issue.
Is it Possible to Even Make a Uturn at this Juncture?
2.To make a UTURN at this juncture where the NO UTURN sign
is posted, a vehicle would need to stop abruptly, from 40-50
miles per hour to 0, to turn into oncoming traffic.
3. Because there is No “No UTurn” Sign Facing Southbound –traffic going towards
downtown from 85 –it’s legal right now to make one at the Ranfre intersection
The Saratoga Ave/Ranfre intersection is a high-friction multiple Four Way Turn Area :
1. Cars exiting Ranfre going Right northbound
2. Cars entering Ranfre from the northbound direction
3. Cars exiting Ranfre going Southbound into a Pocket on Saratoga Ave
4. Southbound Cars on Saratoga Ave make a Left Hand Turn into Ranfree –an extreme Risk allowing for a
Fifth activity– a UTURN
Safe UTurn Alternative, just one block away on Saratoga Ave:
UTURN AVAILABLE AT DAGMAR
4.
There is a UTURN lane with a traffic
signal for vehicles traveling
Southbound on Saratoga Avenue,
away from 85 should the vehicle need
to turn and get onto 85.
Morning Congestion/ Traffic Back up: St Andrews Clog
Frustrated drivers depart from main road into Gardiner
Park neighborhoods. Turning on to Ranfre to escape
Problem/ idea:
Problem: The Fruitvale/ Saratoga intersection is dealing with St. Andrews drop off while
also carrying the Redwood Middle School traffic and West Valley college traffic.
The goal of the Traffic Committee is to keep Main arteries flowing, and not harm
Neighborhoods with overflow.
Idea: St. Andrews morning drop off drivers drop off on Crestview which borders next to
St. Andrews, then circle around to Scotland, where there is a light and safely return back
to 85 vs trying to exit the St. Andrews parking lot into heavy commuter traffic. By allowing
for drop off on Crestview, the Saratoga Ave pile up will be addressed and alleviated
somewhat.
Massive St Andrews Clog: 8am /Cars diverting thru GPark
Request (To Protect the Integrity of Gardiner Park neighborhood)
NO LEFT HAND TURN –at the intersection of Saratoga Ave and Ranfre
BETWEEN the HOURS of 7:30 am - 9 am M-F
This No Left Hand Turn Sign in the AM only would greatly reduce Cut-Through, dangerous, fast moving traffic from
Saratoga Avenue into Gardiner Park during commuting hours. No resident from Gardiner Park is entering the neighborhood
at this time.
What would this change accomplish? It would greatly reduce unwanted CUT Through
traffic that plagues the Gardiner Park Neighborhood –especially for those residents living on Portos Drive. Most of the traffic is
headed to : West Valley College (student drivers) Or Redwood Middle School –this onrush of traffic during commuting hours
greatly diminishes the Quality of Life in this neighborhood and Discourages Walking and Bicycling by students living in the
neighborhood traveling to the middle school, this EXCESS traffic greatly puts those children at Risk. Heavy traffic Must stay on
Main Roads –that’s what Main Roads are designed for –Not neighborhood Roads.
The Overall City Plan is Designed to keep cars on the Main Arteries –and to discourage dangerous Cut -through thus harming
and Negatively Impacting the Integrity of Neighborhoods.
(VIDEO of cut through cars)
NO LEFT HAND TURN –at the intersection of Saratoga Ave and Ranfre BETWEEN the HOURS
of 7:30 am - 9 am M-F
The Goal of the Traffic Committee should be to Encourage bicycling, walking in neighborhoods, hopefully then
reducing the number of cars on the streets, minimizing the carbon foot print, ensuring Safety for its residents.
One Goal of the City is to connect more foot paths and bicycling trails all around the town, connecting to other near
by towns. Joe’s Trail will soon be linked to Gardiner Park --That’s Grea!
Lets take the Resposible Steps Now to reduce unwanted, errant Traffic on Neighborhood streets –in Gardiner Park
–and create a more tranquil and Safe area for students coming from the Golden Triangle to ride bikes through
Gardiner Park to Redwood, and for Gardiner Park students to safely walk and ride their bikes to Redwood Middle
School too.
With the proposed High Density Housing (Costco and Westgate Residential Towers to be built) Gardiner Park
becomes an even more Fragile residential area. More attention needs to be given to established family-friendly
neighborhoods to ensure the safety of its residents.
Traffic Committee/Community Goals
To create a Safe bike friendly, walker friendly,
harmonious Driving environment in and around
Saratoga.
Please review, discuss and Agendize the items I
have presented to Work to Accomplish those
goals.
Thank you
One cyclist on the road.
From:Navneet Yadav
To:Emma Burkhalter
Cc:Dory Albert
Subject:Gardiner Park Neighborhood Traffic Issue - Presentation by Dory Albert
Date:Thursday, January 12, 2023 10:14:45 PM
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Hi Emma,
I live in Gardiner Park neighborhood. I was not able to attend the Traffic Safety Commission meeting
today. But want to affirm that we are really facing the problems Dory has mentioned. My home is one on
, so I am literally on the connecting street between Gardiner Park and Saratoga. I hope
we can address the issues she has mentioned and also follow up on her suggestion to restrict left turns
from Saratoga to Ranfre Ln from 7am to 9am on weekdays.
Regards,
Navneet Yadav
From:Bonnie Marantette
To:John Cherbone
Cc:Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Re: opposed "no left turn" on Saratoga/Ranfre
Date:Monday, April 24, 2023 1:14:32 PM
On Mar 18, 2023, at 12:32 PM, Bonnie Marantette >
wrote:
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senders.
Hello John,
I hope it is not too late to object to Dory Albert's request for a "no left turn" sign
from Saratoga onto Ranfre. Dory has been a great organizer and an active
Neighborhood Watch leader and we appreciate her effort to make our
neighborhood safer. I know she is requesting this restriction to be limited to the
mornings but during this time period I have people coming to our home on
(past Wendy Lane) between 7:30 - 8:30 AM to provide transportation and/or
caregiving services for our daughter. My husband is not in good health and several
times a year emergency medical services are needed. While they could indeed turn
onto Dagmar instead, this would add more time to their schedule and increased
traffic on Dagmar and the other side of Ronnie early in the morning. Currently there
are 3 houses under major construction in Ronnie Way and Wendy Lane area. These
large construction vehicles as well as individual worker vehicles would increase
traffic on these roads not normally used. I hear them arriving by 7 AM and prepping
to begin work at 7:30 AM since one of those remodels is next door to us. We were
never consulted ahead of time as to our thoughts on this matter and we are NOT in
favor of this proposal.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Bonnie Marantette
.
Problem: Gardiner Park has become a
Cut-Through Thoroughfare due to Saratoga Ave
School Backup during morning drop off
Action: Let’s work together, make a positive
change and solve an unsafe traffic issue that
impacts the safety and well being of our neighbors
and children. Block cut-through motorists.
Frustrated Drivers Veer off Saratoga Ave onto
Ranfre in the AM and race to get to RMS and
West Valley College.
Tuesday 8:00 AM
Why Cut Through?
Morning Back-Up on Saratoga Avenue
Tuesday 8:00 AM
Fact:80 Cars Cut Through Portos in 20
minutes exiting Saratoga Avenue to get to
Allendale
High volume meets the criteria for cut-through
SOURCE: Gardiner
Park Security
Camera:
January 23, 2023,
7:56-8:16 AM
Consistently: 80 cars/20 mins per weekday: random Monday
;
The Cut-Through Traffic is a Consistent
Behavior On School Days
SOURCE:
Gardiner Park
Security Camera:
February 2, 2023
70 cars in 10 minutes!
…Source of the Problem: Redwood: Lighter
Traffic Flow When RMS is on Winter Break
SOURCE:
Gardiner Park
Security Camera:
February 24, 2023
Only 15 cars
during
20-minute
morning peak
Outlying schools, incoming traffic: cut-through
– final destination is Not Gardiner Park: it is
RMS, WVC
Rampant Cut-Through Traffic Makes Walking
and Biking to School Unsafe for Our Children.
All Gardiner Park neighbors pay a price.
●Discourages biking, walking and scootering to school
●Encourages more cars driving to school: increasing the carbon footprint
●Also a danger for neighborhood walkers, dog-walkers, joggers, the elderly, the
handicapped.
●Portos is a windy, residential street with no sidewalks, ill-equipped to handle
this heavy volume of traffic that is fast-moving, rushing.
Saratoga City Council approved Safe Routes : Gardiner Park, given its proximity
to Redwood could be a buffer zone for student cyclists –but not if it remains
dangerous as a cut through. There is a trail off Ronnie Ct to Fruitvale, a sidewalk
to RMS. Lets protect Gardiner Park and promote it as a Safe Route just like
Shadow Oaks, a street off Saratoga Ave with a trail to RMS. First: block cut-thru
No-Turn Precedents Protecting nearby
Neighborhoods from Similar Cut-Through Traffic
Saratoga Ave and McFarland Quito and Devon Quito and McClennan (area
abuts Gardiner Park)
Requested Solutions* to block cut-through–as
provided for neighboring streets
●“No Left Turn” sign on Saratoga Avenue at Ranfre (for traffic heading toward
downtown) 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM, Monday-Saturday) Least expensive, most
effective, expedient (vs alternatives: sidewalks, roundabouts, speed
bumps-which does not solve the problem but is a bandaid)
●“No Right Turn” sign on Portos at Allendale 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM, Monday-Saturday
●Committee: Actively work to address the Saratoga Ave morning congestion
●With the Westgate towers, Saratoga Ave traffic will worsen– Gardiner Park residents are asking for
safety protection prohibiting dangerous cut-through activity – data is clear.
*Under the Santa Clara Traffic Calming Program, when a neighborhood is deemed as cut-though and dangerous to pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, due to speeding cars– residents can
make a Request for Turn Prohibition Signs to be implemented.
Negative Impact on Gardiner Park: a residential neighborhood
●Unlike the Argonaut, Foothill Elem and Saratoga Elem neighborhoods, there is no school
embedded in the Gardiner Park neighborhood.
●Redwood Middle and West Valley College lie outside of the Gardiner Park neighborhood
boundaries.
●Gardiner Park was not designed to be a cut-through neighborhood.
●Federal law requires that local governments and states develop
Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTP) to ensure that funds are
spent on projects that will be most effective in reducing
congestion
This Cut-through Traffic Behavior is Unsafe,
Detrimental to Neighborhoods
Saratoga Avenue’s back-up traffic should not be Pushed ito Gardiner Park’s
problem. Not addressing it, does not solve it. The problem festers and
worsens.
This activity has negatively impacted quality of life, Gardiner Park’s integrity
as a residential neighborhood. Speed-bumps create noise and lower home
values.
Traffic Committee, seeing the data, take steps to do the right thing.
Gardiner Park residents are justifiably upset! Stop the cut-through!
Eliminate Cut-through Traffic, Maximize
Carbon-Free Road Safety
From:noreply@civicplus.com
To:Britt Avrit; Crystal Bothelio; Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Online Form Submittal: Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form
Date:Thursday, May 11, 2023 6:45:34 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments
or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form
Your Name David & Linda Mighdoll
Phone Number
Email Address
Comments Regarding the concept of a No Left Turn sign on Saratoga Ave
for westbound traffic turning left on Ranfre. We are opposed to
this idea. We live on Ronnie Way. Having a No Left Turn onto
Ranfre will negatively impact our ability to access our home even
in the 7am - 9am timeframe as was suggested. This is an active
time for us, homeowners, and suggestions that all traffic at that
hour is 'cut through' traffic is erroneous. Just recently, we utilized
the Ranfre-Saratoga Ave route in those early morning hours for a
variety of personal reasons - including work commitments,
medical appointments, a trip to the airport, and a family visit, as
well as a couple contractors. On our observation, since we
routinely walk in that timeframe around Ronnie Way and down
Portos, clearly many vehicles are using the route for reasons
other than cut through. We also see many vehicles entering
Ranfre and turning right onto Ronnie - clearly not cut through.
We also see many vehicle going down Portos to Allendale that
originated in the neighborhood. It is our right, and an
understanding when we purchased our house, that access to our
neighborhood from Saratoga Ave onto Ranfre would not be
limited. Limiting access would hurt our home's value. Further, the
suggested No Left Turn onto Ranfre would create more traffic on
Dagmar and the eastern portion of Ronnie Way and Wendy
Lane, and anyone cutting through would still go down Portos via
Dagmar. A different remedy that would assist in slowing the
speed of traffic are speed bumps strategically placed down
Portos. Routinely walking down Portos we can say with certainty
that many of the speeders are people who live in the
neighborhood. Speed bumps can be modestly done to have the
desired impact without being so severe that they would cause
vehicle damage or noise as one person had suggested. Speed
bumps would also deter cut through traffic to the extent there is
cut through traffic, but most importantly would be a speed
deterrent for all vehicles including those originating in our
neighborhood.
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Gardiner Park Neighbors Unable to attend due to Travel, Work commitments,
calendar conflicts, family or social events, older residents who are not
zoom-savvy, and have age-related issues Opposed to our Neighborhood
Being a Cut-through Street
1. Bill & Linda Snider,(Retired)
As a neighbor who often walks on Portos and through the intersection of Ranfre and Ronnie, it is
dangerous to walk in these areas when the traffic is that heavy and the drivers have little patience
to drive through our neighborhood with a safety first attitude. They are simply trying to get through
our neighborhood as quickly as possible.This is not a thoroughfare, and it is turning into a
speedway.!!
Thanks for your attention,
2. Dave Morley I live on an S curve on Portos Dr. At 8:00 am most
mornings, the traffic is so bad on Portos that I have a very, very
difficult time backing out of my garage. I wish there was a way to
limit the traffic on Portos at that time of the morning.
3. Yulia Zwieback
I have noticed multitude of cars speeding down Portos. It makes it so difficult to walk, walk
dogs, and especially with children. Thank you for all your efforts to remedy the situation
and reduce cut through traffic especially in the morning in Gardiner park.
4. Jiawei Yao & Yanlei Zhao
The cut-through traffic in the morning from Saratoga Ave to Renfre Ln to Portos Dr has been a long-running problem.
We noticed it as soon as we moved in in 2021. Cars darting in the said route not only bring additional noise in the
morning but also introduce safety concerns as many go above safe speed limit AND ignore the stop signs. They are a
threat to our neighborhood. As one of the affected families, we would like to see measures to be taken by the Traffic
Committee to alleviate this problem, including but not limited to introducing no-turn off Saratoga Ave into Ranfre Ln in
the morning.
5. Ping Hsu
Dagmar and Portos are on my morning jogging route.
These cut through traffic just makes my run more dangerous.
I support posting No Left Turn Sign on both Dagmar and Ranfee interactions towards
Saratoga downtown effective in the morning commute hours.
6. Betty and Allan Smith
We are very much in support of reducing cut thru traffic on Portos. We often encounter
speeding and excessive numbers of cars, especially during school drop off hours that we
have trouble turning onto Portos to leave the neighborhood. We are happy to support
initiatives that would keep gardener park safe for all residents.
Thanks,
Betty and Allan Smith
7. My name is Roya Shirani and I live on
I am a walker and in the mornings I do not feel safe walking my neighborhood with the
CUT THROUGH traffic on Portos.
I also have difficulty pulling out onto Saratoga Ave in the mornings to make a left turn due
to the congestion on Saratoga Ave. It is quite nerve racking.
I would like Gardiner park to be a SAFE ROUTE to school, and safe to walk and bike for
all of us who live here.
I hope this issue gets addressed and resolved as I know I am one of many people in this
neighborhood that has this concern.
Thank you,
Roya Shirani
8. This is Vivian Mih from
Thank you for your efforts in addressing the speeding traffic issue on Portos.
As a house in between Ronnie Way and Myren Drive, I do see a lot of speeding cars pass
through. I've also been in situations where I have been cut-off (on my left side, no less)
while turning left into my own driveway on Portos. To be honest, a lot of the cars I see
speeding are not only during the morning hours, but throughout the day. From delivery
trucks to waste management trucks, even residents of this neighborhood are speeding on
Portos. I also see a lot of cars speeding and driving on the wrong side of the road on
Portos. I work from home so I see a lot of this activity. I'm not sure what the solution is to
enforcing people to respect and adhere to the 25 mph speed limit sign on Portos, but I do
agree that we have an issue on Portos.
I hope this information helps to paint a picture of the problem and I do apologize for not
attending the meeting tonight. If I can help with any written documentation, please do let
me know.
Dear members of the Saratoga Traffic Committee,
As a resident of Portos Drive, I am greatly concerned about the cut-through traffic on our
street in the mornings during the weekdays. I support the proposal to prevent the left t turn
from Saratoga avenue onto Ranfre from 7:30 am - 9 am, M-F.
Thanks,
Naren & Niti Agrawal
Page 1 of 2
#553 Marilyn Ln
Date Received: November 13, 2022
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Marilyn Ln
Description of traffic safety
concern:
Last week, when I was crossing the street from my house to the sidewalk on
the other side of Marilyn Lane to drop my kid off at school, I almost got ran
over by a car speeding over 50 mph. This is not the first time this has
happened, but this time was the closest call. The car was electric, so it was
not making noise, and it was flying out of the school so fast, it almost hit us
and I caught my kid just in time. It was so scary and way too close. The driver
looked shocked as well. She was going too fast and did not look around
before speeding out of the school.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
There is no sidewalk on my side of Marilyn Lane and crossing the street to get
to the sidewalk is a challenge every day. If there were a speed bump, it would
be so helpful in getting the cars to slow down and pay attention. If a sidewalk
could be added on our side of the street, that would be great as well. We are
concerned for our safety and the safety of all the kids and parents who walk
on Marilyn Lane.
Page 2 of 2
Parents are always in a rush to drop off their kids on time and in a hurry to
get to work after they drop off their kids. I get worried every morning and
every afternoon because of the rashness of the drivers.
Please put speed bumps on Marilyn Lane. It will definitely help save kids from
possible accidents.
Page 1 of 7
#555 Carrick St
Date Received: November 29, 2022
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Street name: Carrick street
Cross street: Dundee ave, Afton ave, Mccoy ave
Description of traffic safety
concern:
We are worried about cars speeding on our street especially with so many
young kids in the neighborhood. Many cars accelerate along Afton and Carrick
St in both directions.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Please consider putting two speed bumps to slow traffic on Carrick St. We
don't let our kids play near the street because it is so dangerous. Thank you
for your time.
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#556 Beaumont Ave
Date Received: December 1, 2022
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Beaumont Ave at Herriman, Thelma, and Glen Brae.
Description of traffic safety
concern:
Speeding.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
I would love Speed Humps on Beaumont Avenue especially around the hilly
areas and just past Herriman, Thelma and perhaps at Glen Brae and close to
Scotland.
Page 1 of 1
#557 Quito Rd Between Allendale Ave and Westmont Ave
Date Received: December 1, 2022
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Speeding cars on Quito Road between Allendale and Westmont
Description of traffic safety
concern:
Speeding cars posing accidents and safety for the residents on
Quito between Allendale and Westmont
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Combination of Speed tracking signs on both sides to slow down
the speeding card and speed bumps to slow the cars
Page 1 of 2
#559 Aloha Ave at Hwy 9
Date Received: February 1, 2023
Requesting Resident: Matthew Bordoni
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Aloha Ave - Hwy 9
Description of traffic safety
concern:
The closure of the pedestrian pathway between Vickery Ave and Aloha Ave
has forced more pedestrians on to highway 9 and through the intersection of
Aloha Ave and Highway 9. I believe this is a public safety issue. The city has
commissioned a traffic safety study from 2005 on this intersection which
refers to it as a “location requiring attention.” After studying incidents and
traffic speeds, the city report found the only consistent operational problem
is the “sight distance restriction caused by the adjacent wall west of Aloha
Ave.” Driving from downtown and turning right onto Aloha Ave, you can not
see the crosswalk until you have begun your turn into it. Given speeds
observed on Highway 9, the Caltrans Highway Design Manual requires a
minimum of 313 to 360 feet of visibility to achieve desired levels of safety.
The intersection only has approximately 115 feet of visibility. Less than 40%
of the minimum visibility distance. This issue was resolved for vehicles back in
2006, but the issue for pedestrians remains.
Page 2 of 2
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
In the past, this intersection was easily avoidable. Unfortunately, now that
the Vickery Aloha Path has been closed, avoiding the intersection is no longer
an option. My question is what mitigation options does the city have to
address this public safety issue, one that poses a distinct danger to
pedestrians in what was once an exceedingly walkable neighborhood.
Widening the road to allow more visibility does not appear feasible.
From:noreply@civicplus.com
To:Britt Avrit; Crystal Bothelio; Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Online Form Submittal: Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form
Date:Monday, May 8, 2023 6:31:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments
or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form
Your Name David Zinman
Phone Number
Email Address
Comments I'm very concerned by the removal of public access to the Aloha-
Vickery trail. This has forced me and my family on many
occasions to utilize the intersection of Aloha and Hwy 9 to walk
or ride bikes between our home on Park Drive and either
Saratoga Elementary School or Big Basin. I also need to run on
streets that do not have a significant amount of elevation, and
one of the best loops to run from my house led me to run on the
Aloha-Vickery Trail. Now that this trail is no longer accessible,
the option of running down Aloha to Hwy 9 and making a right
turn is the one I have tried, but it is clearly dangerous and not a
suitable alternative. I would like the help of this commission to do
two things: (1) join citizens in seeking to re-open the Aloha-
Vickery trail, and (2) making the Aloha / Hwy 9 interchange safe
for pedestrian traffic. This is a HIGH PRIORITY item for myself
and my family. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
From:noreply@civicplus.com
To:Britt Avrit; Crystal Bothelio; Emma Burkhalter
Subject:Online Form Submittal: Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form
Date:Tuesday, May 9, 2023 7:06:27 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments
or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form
Your Name PERRY CONSTANTINE
Phone Number
Email Address
Comments The Hwy 9 and Aloha intersection , is narrow, dark, limited
visibility and dangerous for kids, older people and dogs. The
alley path has been the preferred access for the 40 years we
have been in Saratoga.
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
Page 1 of 1
#560 Dorchester Dr at Plymouth Dr
Date Received: February 23, 2023
Requesting Resident: Gaura Jha
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Dorchester Dr at Plymouth Dr
Description of traffic safety
concern:
No streetlights in the residential area almost led to an accident with me and
my 11 year old sister. Due to the reason that there is no stop sign between
the intersection of Dorchester Rd and Plymouth Dr, my sister and I were
taking a walk with my phone's flashlight to our neighbors house because we
were locked out, and very suddenly surprised with a high speed car charging
toward us. Due to the absence of streetlights, we were inconspicuous to the
car, and such a situation could have quickly escalated into a major accident.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Add street lights.
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#561 Pierce Rd, south of Sarahills Dr
Date Received: March 6, 2023
Requesting Resident: Ann Pham
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
A little past the Pierce Road and Sara Hills intersection
Description of traffic safety
concern:
I have lived here since 2005 and been witness to a number of accidents by my
house on Pierce Road. I have seen an increase of traffic coming up and down
Pierce with many blind spots particularly when coming southwest bound. I
would like to request data collection on speed of traffic and potentially
installing a speed hump.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Installing speed hump with additional signage of speed limit or hidden
driveway
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#562 Saratoga Ave btwn Cox Ave and Lawrence Expy
Date Received: March 20, 2023
Requesting Resident: Vincent Pham
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Cox Ave & Saratoga Ave, and Laurence Expressway & Saratoga Ave
Description of traffic safety
concern:
Hi Commissioner, my name is Vincent Pham and I have concerns about the
speed limit from Cox Ave to Laurence Expwy.
Both sides of Saratoga Ave are mostly residences and the current speed limit
is 40 MPH; however, most cars drive on this segment with the speed about 50
MPH. For last two years, I myself had 2 incidents: one resulted in total loss,
another one resulted with very costly fix. Both incidents happened to my cars
parked on my driveway. I also saw multiple car accidents on Saratoga Ave &
Bucknall Rd due to left turn.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
My suggestions: Either adding one more traffic light at Bucknall Rd & Saratoga
Ave or posting more speed limit signs and enforce the speed limit. Please let
me know if you need more information.