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Home My WebLink About05-09-2024 TSC Agenda PacketSaratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 1 of 3 SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA May 9, 2024 AMENDED AGENDA • 05/08/2024 MATRIX ITEM DATA ADDED UNDER SHERIFF’S REPORT, NON- AGENDIZED PUBLIC COMMENT ADDED, COMMENT FOR ITEM 1. TSC MATRIX 503 ADDED. • 05/09/2024 DRAFT MINUTES REVISED AND REUPLOADED. DATE: May 9, 2024 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. During the meeting the Chair will explain the process for members of the public to be recognized to offer public comment. Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 2 of 3 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL Robert Eng (Chair), Alec Gulesserian (Vice Chair), Chi-Kuang Chu, Stephen Li, Jason Mount III. REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on May 2, 2024. 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. Non-Agendized Public Comment V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 03-14-2024 TSC MINUTES – Draft Recommended Action: Approve March 14, 2024 Minutes VI. SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION Sheriff’s Report • March & April 2024 citation summary and collision statistics • Matrix Item Data VII. OLD BUSINESS 1. TSC Matrix 503 – Pierce Rd at Bella Vina Comments Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. VIII. NEW BUSINESS 2. TSC Matrix 586 – Quito Rd at Cox Ave Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. IX. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES 3. Staff and Commission Updates a. TSC Project Updates Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 3 of 3 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 2, 2024 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 Minutes – Page 1 of 3 SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES March 14, 2024 I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:30 PM II. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Robert Eng (Chair), Alec Gulesserian (Vice Chair), Jason Mount ABSENT: Chi-Kuang Chu, Stephen Li STAFF PRESENT: Franziska Church, Emma Burkhalter, John Cherbone III. REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on March 7, 2024. 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 01-11-2024 TSC MINUTES – Draft Recommended Action: Approve January 11, 2024 Minutes GULESSERIAN/ENG MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. MOTION PASSED (3- 0-0-2) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU, LI. VI. SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION Sheriff’s Report • January & February 2024 citation summary and collision statistics VII. OLD BUSINESS 1. TSC Matrix 502 – Ravenwood Dr Response Summary Comments from Previous Meetings Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Minutes – Page 2 of 3 Recommended Action: Deny request for speed hump(s) and close item. ENG/MOUNT MOVED TO CLOSE THE MATRIX ITEM AND REMIND THE RESIDENTS THAT THE STRIPING PLAN IS STILL ON THE TABLE. MOTION PASSED (3-0-0-2) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU, LI. 2. TSC Matrix 531 – Pierce Rd at Houston Ct Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. ENG/GULESSERIAN MOVED TO DO NOTHING. MOTION PASSED (3-0-0-2) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU, LI. 3. TSC Matrix 565 – Farwell Ave Draft Plans Proposed Area of Influence Recommended Action: Approve the draft speed table plan and proposed area of influence. ENG/GULESSERIAN MOVED TO APPROVE PLAN AND AREA OF INFLUENCE AND MOVE FORWARD WITH RESIDENT-LED SPEED HUMP PROCESS. MOTION PASSED (3-0-0-2) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU, LI. 4. TSC Matrix 572 – McCoy Ave Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. ENG/MOUNT MOVED TO DO NOTHING. MOTION PASSED (3-0-0-2) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU, LI. 5. TSC Matrix 576 – Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd at Kirkmont Dr Comments from Previous Meetings Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. MOUNT/ENG MOVED TO INSTALL A HAWK LIGHT, ONCE STAFF OBTAINS FUNDING. MOTION PASSED (3-0-0-2) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU, LI. VIII. NEW BUSINESS Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Minutes – Page 3 of 3 6. TSC Matrix 580 – Cox Ave at Sea Gull Way Quotes Recommended Action: Approve installation. ENG/GULESSERIAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE RRFB INSTALLATION. MOTION PASSED (3-0-0-2) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU, LI. 7. TSC Matrix 581 – Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd at Sea Gull Way Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. ENG/GULESSERIAN MOVED TO DO NOTHING. MOTION PASSED (3-0-0-2) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU, LI. 8. TSC Matrix 582 – Prospect Rd at Stelling Rd Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. ENG/MOUNT MOVED TO CHANGE THE YIELD TO A STOP AND MAKE CORRESPONDING STRIPING CHANGES. ALSO, EXTEND SIDEWALK TO RAILROAD TRACKS PER TRAFFIC ENGINEER’S RECOMMENDATION AND REQUEST THAT SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT DO TARGETTED ENFORCEMENT ON THE STOP SIGN. MOTION PASSED (3-0-0-2) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU, LI. IX. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES 9. 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 – 9:10 PM Respectfully Submitted by Emma Burkhalter, Public Works staff for the City of Saratoga From:Henry Coles To:Emma Burkhalter Subject:Reid Lane Speeds Before and After Humps Date:Tuesday, May 7, 2024 4:37:11 PM Attachments:BeforeAndAfterHumps-cr.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Hi Emma, The data shows an interesting trend. There appears to be a ~5 MPH slowing independent of the "before" percentile speed. For example the people that were driving 30 MPH are now driving 25 MPH and the people that were driving 40 MPH are now driving 35 MPH. However, the maximum speed dropped from 59 MPH to 44 MPH. Thanks, -Henry Coles 35.5 mph 29.4 mph Before Humps April 12-13, 2023 2,795 Veh., E./W. Combined Reid Lane Vehicle Speed Before and After Humps Compare Percentile Speeds After Humps March 26-28, 2024 4,538 Veh., E./W. Combined From:noreply@civicplus.com To:Britt Avrit; Leslie Arroyo; Emma Burkhalter Subject:Online Form Submittal: Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form Date:Wednesday, May 8, 2024 11:58:46 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 Andrew Carter Phone Number Email Address Is this comment about an existing item under review by the Traffic Safety Commission? Yes Traffic Matrix Number (if known) TSC Matrix 503 Street Name(s)Pierce Rd at Bella Vina Comments 18 March 2024 Saratoga, California To: Engineering Division, including Traffic Safety Commission &Streets Division, City of Saratoga, Subject: Notice of removal of speed hump on Pierce Road ("Bella Vina") We the undersigned were surprised and dismayed to receive an email 29 February from Emma Burkhalter informing us that the speed hump located on Pierce Road ni front the home at 13240, would be removed and replaced with one 60 feet further up the road, farther away from the dangerous curve that has been the cause of numerous serious accidents over the years. There was no mention regarding a public study to come to this conclusion. The residents most concerned about the location of the speed hump are the ones most endangered by cars speeding down the road and failing to slow to a safe speed rounding the curve. The most affected properties are 13194, 13198, 13200, 13204, 13216 &13228 Pierce Rd, where the residents must cross against the oncoming traffic to enter their driveways. Al of us have had scary near- accidents, including neighbors exiting Bella Vina onto Pierce. Once the project had been approved but before detailed plans were published, the residents most familiar with the issue carefully observed traffic on Pierce, and made a recommendation where the hump should be placed for the most effect. Unfortunately, the plans as prepared by the consultant Ashley Weiss of Fehr &Peers, moved ti back 75 feet (not 60), supposedly to conform to "standards". A meeting with several residents at the proposed site, the consultant and several city officials, reluctantly agreed to our preferred location, where it presently is. We maintain that removing and replacing it at the "originally planned" location would render ti practically ineffective, as wel as be a considerable expense of public funds. This issue requires discussion with a wider base of stakeholders. Signed, For (Carter): For (Ghandchi): For (Stellrecht): _ Jue Stellect For (Luan): H o T r a n For (Liao): _ (SEE ATTACMED) For (Embar): E S . s h And Cant Deara Carte a 14 March 2024 To: Ms Emma Burkhalter, Associate Engineer, Public Works Department As you might expect, our community (including the six families with driveways on the dangerous Pierce Road curve) were surprised and dismayed by your communication announcing that the recently installed speed hump near the 13240 address, would be moved "back to the originally proposed" location. You are probably aware of a serious car accident that happened not long after the hump was installed. I examined the crash site shortly after the crashed car had been removed. I initially assumed that the crash was caused by the driver losing control after speeding over the hump, going in the downhill direction. But carefully checking out the path of crash damage, it became clear that the car was coming uphill on Pierce. (The crashed car had been removed earlier. I contacted the Sheriff department to try to learn the details, but they would only confirm that the accident did occur.) The car had clearly been driven at an unsafe speed, probably by an impaired driver, who failed to heed the signs warning of the curve, failed to negotiate the curve, strayed across the oncoming lane, and smashed into the fire hydrant tearing it off of its water pipe, and continued uphill onto the 13240 property, smashing into large rocks, gouging the soil of the front yard, before coming to rest on or near the speed hump, partially into the downhill lane. I found broken car parts and leaked engine fluids in that area. My conclusion was that the speed hump did not cause the accident: the unsafe driver was the cause. Moving the speed hump back further up the road to the "originally proposed" location would NOT have prevented this accident, or where happened. We (our local group) have observed the traffic in this area since the hump was installed, to see how well (or not) it works. Comparing expressed opinions, it works, "sort of...but it should have been made a little higher" for a greater calming effect. Many drivers ignore it without slowing at all, and then [noisily] accelerate over the speed limit heading downhill. As you know the project to have this approved was long and arduous, and the final details were controversial. Removing it and putting it back to the "original" position would make it worse than useless, and a waste a lot of money. This issue requires more input and involvement with the concerned community than this summary action. We ask that you re-consider the decision to remove the hump, and to meet with the neighbors most affected by dangerous traffic at this location. Sincerely, Andy Carter, for the affected neighbors Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. From:Barbara Morrissey To:Emma Burkhalter Subject:TM 503 - Pierce Road Speed Hump 2022/23 Date:Thursday, May 2, 2024 6:21:23 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Dear Ms. Burkhalter, I am writing to you now that it has been over a year since the speed hump was installed in front of my house to update you on what it has meant for me and to request that the Traffic Safety Commission reconsider it's placement so close to my driveway. I appreciated that you understood my safety concerns when we talked last year and hope we can revisit this issue now. I want you to know that my quality of life has been seriously impacted by the installation of the speed hump. I am in daily fear of being hit when I exit and enter my driveway. The speed hump is so close to the driveway that the cars going both uphill and downhill which come at fast speeds do not leave me a safe distance to exit or enter. When coming uphill I have taken to pulling over at the mail boxes to sit and wait until I can see a safe distance both ways before I pull out to approach the driveway. Cars and trucks have come up behind me at a high rate of speed when I am waiting to turn left into the driveway and there have been a number of near misses. I was at the bottom of the driveway (on foot) when a pickup truck sped around the curve in the opposite lane speeding to pass a car and I had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit. As you know cars have taken out the fire hydrant at the base of my driveway and ended up on my slope more than once. After the speed hump was installed last February within a month a car had taken the corner so fast that it knocked out the fire hydrant and the boulders next door and flew across my driveway and hillside taking out the speed hump sign and leaving multiple car parts and huge ruts in the hill before hitting the street again and leaving the scene. The speed hump and caution signs on both sides of my driveway have been hit by vehicles multiple times and bear the dents to show it. The speed hump placement on the road itself is not well built and there is a significant pooling issue in front of my house so on wet days cars are splashing and skidding when they come through at high rates of speed. The pooling is not a factor on the other side of the street. I am aware that some of my neighbors requested that you move the speed hump closer to the curve than the original traffic design called for. These homes are not directly on Pierce Rd which they enter from longer driveways so they are in a different situation than mine. I wish the traffic engineer or someone from the city had spoken with me when they met with the neighbors and before approving the request to move the speed hump. I felt considerable pressure to go along with something I did not realize the impact of and having an understanding of this would have been very helpful. I did not realize it would be so close to the driveway until it was installed and I do not agree with its placement now. If there is more than one car in my driveway it is not possible to exit the driveway without backing down which is difficult and requires the assistance of a helper at the street to watch for and stop oncoming cars for a safe exit. Since the speed hump was placed I have friends who will no longer come to my house due to fear of entering and exiting my driveway which has left me feeling isolated and stressed about living in the home I've been in since 1996 and worked hard to pay off so I could afford to retire and age in place here. I humbly request that the commission reopen this issue and either remove the speed hump or move it to the location originally intended by the traffic engineers. I hope there is another way to address the speeding on Pierce Road but I do not think that installing the speed hump in its current location has stopped the speeding drivers and I know for certain that it has resulted in a more dangerous living situation for me. Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. Yours Truly, Barbara Morrissey 11 ' 11 ' 11'Pierce Road at Bella Vina Speed CushionsFigure 2N.T.S.CONCEPTUAL - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. ADDITIONALDETAILED ANALYSIS AND ENGINEERING DESIGN REQUIRED.REMOVE EXISTING SIGNS ANDINSTALL W1-1aR AND R4-11 SIGNSEXISTING W1-6R (48"X 24") SIGNEXISTING W1-6L (48"X 24") SIGNIN FRONT OF TREESIGN LEGENDW16-9P(24" X 12")W1-6R(48" X 24")W16-7P(24" X 12")W1-6L(48" X 24")PIERCE RDBELLA VINA W1-1aL(36" X 36")CONSIDER REDUCINGPAVED AREA NEAR CURVEW1-1aR(36" X 36")EXISTING W1-1aL (36"X 36") SIGNREMOVE EXISTING SIGNSAND INSTALL W17-1 ANDW16-9P SIGNSW17-1(36" X 36")INSTALL NEW W17-1, W16-9P,AND W13-1P (15 MPH) SIGNSR4-11INSTALL W17-1 ANDW13-1P (15 MPH) SIGNSW13-1P (15 MPH)(18" X 18")INSTALL W17-1 AND W16-7P SIGNSINSTALL NEW R4-11 SIGNREMOVE EXISTING SIGNSInstalled January 2023 11'11' 11'Pierce Road at Bella Vina Speed CushionsFigure 2N.T.S.CONCEPTUAL - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. ADDITIONALDETAILED ANALYSIS AND ENGINEERING DESIGN REQUIRED.EXISTING W1-1L (MOD) (36" X 36") SIGNAND REMOVE W13-1P (20 MPH) (18" X 18") SIGNEXISTING W1-1R (MOD)(36" X 36") SIGN AND W13-1P(20 MPH) (18" X 18") SIGNEXISTING W1-6R (48"X 24") SIGNEXISTING W1-6L (48"X 24") SIGNIN FRONT OF TREESIGN LEGENDW1-1L (MOD)(36" X 36")W1-6R(48" X 24")W1-1R (MOD)(36" X 36")W1-6L(48" X 24")PIERCE RDBELLA VINA W1-1aL(36" X 36")CONSIDER REDUCINGPAVED AREA NEAR CURVEW1-1aR(36" X 36")W13-1P (20 MPH)(18" X 18")EXISTING W1-1aL (36"X 36") SIGNEXISTING W1-1aR (36" X 36")SIGN AND INSTALL NEWR4-11 SIGNW17-1(36" X 36")INSTALL NEW W17-1, W13-1P (15MPH), AND R4-11 SIGNSR4-11INSTALL W17-1 ANDW13-1P (15 MPH)SIGNSW13-1P (15 MPH)(18" X 18")Original Plan 18850 13388 13194 13250 13305 20976 13370 13561 13270 20988 13440 20651 1293621095 13170 21116 13630 13198 12991 13240 13040 13180 13570 12960 13625 18890 13360 13600 20937 13090 13333 13436 13228 12970 13093 18880 13426 13291 12943 13045 13115 21072 13044 13095 13110 13144 13071 13010 13385 13277 13750 20701 20711 13290 12975 21045 20660 13036 13075 13327 13605 13160 13200 13100 13091 13138 21142 13050 13030 13575 12940 13251 13282 21081 13405 13356 13204 21000 13425 20651 13223 13216 20673 12950 13121 18800 20695 18860 13245 20680 21090 20975 20720 21020 13386 20940 13039 13090 13190 21027 13045 13209 13455 13616 13337 20682 21083 13217 13540 18820 20681 13280 13095 20964 PIERCE RDPIERCERDR IC E C TC H IQ U ITA W A Y ARROYODEARGUELLOPADERO CTBELLA VINA HOUSTONCT SURREYLNCOMER DR SURREY LN Matrix #503 - Proposed Area of Influence for Resident Surveys Po ten tia l Sp eed Hump Location Ap proximate Signage Lo cation Ap proximate Signage Lo cation November 4, 2021 Subject: Date: Fwd: New Accident happen 7/17/2021 2:30 Saturday, July 17, 2021 9:42:42 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Dear Emma and neighbors, It happened again! William (one of our neighbors) heard a big crashing sound this afternoon while he was in his yard and immediately knew where to go to find out what happened. Yes, this time a Ford SUV hit a wooden wine barrel in front of the orchard right after the curve (yes, that curve, AGAIN!). William forwarded several pictures that he took at the accident scene and I am attaching them to this email. This is yet another evidence that this curve is too dangerous to band-aid it just with warning signs and trimming around them. What if some pedestrians or cyclists were where the barrel was??? The driver left the scene probably without much trouble other than needing to tow his car. No one would know about it if William did not hear this crash from his yard and went to take the pictures! Let's please not let this nonsense continue to risk the lives and the safety of not only our neighbors but also the pedestrians, cyclists, and the drivers themselves! We need the speed bump to slow down all the cars to a safe speed before they approach the curve. Sincerely, Leo #503 Pierce Road at Bella Vina Date Received: June 13, 2021 Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Pierce Rd at Bella Vina Description of traffic safety concern: Email 1: Around midnight last Friday I was awakened by the now familiar tire squeal and subsequent crash and power failure near our residence on Pierce Road in Saratoga Another crash by a probably drunk driver going too fast around the turn in front of our house. I went to see what happened, a BMW was wedged under the toppled power pole, the cab filled with deployed airbags and the occupants vanished from the scene most likely because of DUI. In our 40 plus years living here at this location we witnessed many car spinouts and at least two other crashes resulting in property damage and destruction of the PG&E power pole with subsequent power outage. The problem is always the same, speeding cars coming down Pierce Road approaching the turn near the Catherine Kennedy‘s Vineyard too fast. This has happened too many times before and it should never happen again. The appalling indifference by the city of Saratoga to ignore the pleas for speed bumps before this curve on Pierce Road needs to be corrected. In fact residents living at this dangerous turn have appealed repeatedly to the city to install speed bumps only to be turned down. Whenever we have to make a left turn to get into our driveway we risk being hit by a speeding car. Please use this costly occasion as another wake up call to avoid future and potentially tragic accidents. Email 2: TO: Saratoga City Traffic Safety Commission As you are probably aware there was a bad crash shortly after midnight Saturday 12 June on lower Pierce Road near Kathryn Kennedy Winery. An apparently drunk young guy lost control of his BMW when speeding around the curve and crashed into the utility pole, completely severing it at the base and causing power blackout to hundreds of customers. Luckily he was not killed or badly injured. Repairs to the power, phone and networks were not completed until early Sunday morning, including total blocking of Pierce in both directions for hours. A similar accident happened about 3 years ago to the same pole, again completely severing it at the base, blackouts, etc. The cost of the repairs due to this latest accident must be in the neighborhood of $250,000 Damage to utility poles is not the only hazard at this place. Residents returning to their houses at the curve on the east side of Pierce from 13190 to 13240 must cross left against the downhill traffic. There is very limited sight distance around the curve for our cars that need to access their “hidden” driveways, due to extensive, overgrowing foliage on the property of the house on the corner of Bella Vina. The silly yellow sign “cautioning” the downhill traffic of “hidden driveways” does NOTHING to “calm” the careless jerks (lots of them!) who speed up as they are coming around the curve. The even sillier radar speed detector displays are poorly placed and likely act as challenges to drivers to see how fast they can go, rather than having any calming effect. This situation is extremely dangerous to the residents that must cross the oncoming traffic to enter their driveways. Due to the limited sight distance, we often have to speed across the road, taking the chance that there is no on-coming and speeding traffic. There have been many such scary occasions, where the speeding vehicle could be surprised and lose control attempting evasive actions, causing a serious crash. At this time it is IMPERATIVE that a speed bump be installed across the road, approximately at 13240 Pierce, of a type similar to the three bumps on lower Pierce. The residents requested this several years ago, but were rebuffed by the traffic engineering consultant at that time who found every reason not to do it, probably reacting to the severe criticism of the tragic original design of the three bumps on lower Pierce. Now is the time to seriously re-consider and DO IT! Email 3: We agree with Andy and Diane that the dangerous curve on Pierce Road close to Bella Vina needs to be addressed. The risks of speeding cars coming downhill hitting something (one of the other cars making a left turn, someone crossing the street there, or something on the roadside like this time) is so obvious that we don't understand why the traffic engineers did not decide that a speed bump is needed ahead of the curve to effectively slow down those speeding cars before they enter this dangerous curve. It's very scary and sad that, when I heard the crashing sound last Friday night, a picture of that curve came to my mind and I could guess what happened immediately! Please stop this nightmare and life- threatening nonsense! Email 4: Thank you for bringing this issue to the Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) on July 8th. I want to mention that a second incident, indirectly caused a bicycle accident where one person was injured and evacuated by ambulance. There were roadblocks in two locations to block traffic while PG&E worked on high power lines. A group of cyclists decided to blow through and bypass the roadblock coming down the hill at 12340-50 Pierce Rd. One of the cyclists spun out of control and was found lying on the ground by our mailboxes. Police were called and they summoned an ambulance. Another example of accidents that can result from excess speed taking the curve from 13220 and 13190 Pierce Rd. Adding Jim Morocco from 13190 Pierce and Marty Mathis from Kathyrn Kennedy Winery, long-time residents who are very familiar with the history of accidents on this curve. Please include them in the invite to the TSC meeting. Barbara Morrisey is another neighbor from our side of Pierce Rd that is most impacted when turning left across traffic to our "hidden driveways" endangered by traffic coming downhill at an unsafe speed at the curve on Pierce Rd. I will ask her for her email and request to invite her to the meeting. Email 5 (June 14, 2021): Mayor Zhao and Council Members Bernald and Fitzsimmons, Hope you are all well, and thank you for serving our City. I am writing to you directly as you are the people I know on our City Council. We have a serious need to control the speed of cars on the portion of Pierce Road near my residence on Bella Vina. I have copied concerned citizens in my neighborhood. I am sure there are many more. This weekend a car hit the telephone pole in front of Katheryn Kennedy Winery and snaped it off at ground level. Wires were in the street, and luckily no one was killed. It took a massive effort by PG&E to replace the pole and restore power to about 175 people. The work was completed in about 22 hours and PG&E deserves recognition for their efforts. Comcast was still not working late last night. This is the second or third time this has happened in the last 4 years, and just one of many accidents that have happened in this location due to excessive speeds over the years. Attached is a picture of the damage. Previous efforts to address this issue were done several years ago when electronic traffic signs were installed in two locations. They have been ineffective. I (we) believe speed bumps are needed to slow the speeds, and have included a map of their proposed locations. I have thought about this for many years, and is only now, given the latest accident, that I am willing to raise my hand. I am available to answer any questions you have, and implore you to get these speed bumps installed. Thank you in advance for your time and efforts towards this issue. SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DATE: March 10, 2022 DEPARTMENT: Public Works PREPARED BY: Emma Burkhalter, Associate Engineer SUBJECT: TSC Matrix 503 – Resident Survey Results Round 2 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Direct City staff to add the proposed speed hump on Pierce Road at Bella Vina to the Prioritization Process and to begin implementing projects on the list in order of priority. BACKGROUND: On January 31, 2022, City Staff used certified mail to send surveys to the 10 homes within the Commission-approved Area of Influence that had not responded to the first round of surveys. This mailing included the attached cover letter to explain the traffic safety concern, the survey itself, and a map showing the proposed location of the speed hump. By the deadline provided, a total of 22 surveys were returned (out of 29) and the remaining seven homeowners are assumed to be indifferent to the speed hump installation. According to the Speed Hump Process, moving to the next step in the resident-led column requires a 100% response rate with 80% of respondents voting YES, and speed hump adjacent properties able to veto. The final results of the survey are 22 YES (100%), 0 NO (0%), and 7 No Preference, with all speed hump adjacent properties (13240 Pierce Road and 18890 Bella Vina) having responded YES. It is therefore recommended that the Commission direct City staff to move to the next step in the Speed Hump Process, which is to add the proposed speed hump to the Prioritization Process, and to direct staff to begin implementing projects on the list in order of priority. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A – Example Survey and Cover Letter Incorporated October 22, 1956 CITY OF SARATOGA 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 868-1200 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Mary-Lynne Bernald Kookie Fitzsimmons Rishi Kumar Tina Walia Yan Zhao Dear Resident, The City of Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission was asked to review the curve on Pierce Road just south of Bella Vina and to provide a solution for the speeding that was occurring, particularly in the northbound direction. The Commission recommended minor striping and signage improvements at the corner, and the installation of a speed hump, contingent on the approval of the residents in the determined Area of Influence. You are receiving this letter and survey because you are within the determined Area of Influence for the speed hump. The proposed location of the speed hump is shown on the included survey. Please complete and return the survey by January 3, 2022 using the pre-stamped envelope. The results of the survey will be presented at the next Traffic Safety Commission meeting, on January 13, 2022 beginning at 6:30 pm and held virtually on Zoom. The Zoom information will be located on the first page of the meeting agenda, which will be posted a week before the meeting at www.saratoga.ca.us/agendacenter. If you have any questions about the survey or the Commission, please contact the Traffic Safety Commission Liaison, Emma Burkhalter, at (408) 868-1274 or by email eburkhalter@saratoga.ca.us. Sincerely, Public Works Department City of Saratoga Incorporated October 22, 1956 CITY OF SARATOGA 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 868-1200 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Mary-Lynne Bernald Kookie Fitzsimmons Rishi Kumar Tina Walia Yan Zhao Please complete and return the survey below by January 3, 2022 using the pre‐stamped envelope. 1. Name: ______________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone #: ______________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________ Please circle Yes or No to the question below. 2. Should the City install a Speed Hump at the proposed location shown in the image on the back of this survey (at approximately 13240 Pierce Road)? YES NO Thank you for completing this survey! Proposed Speed Hump Location Page 1 of 1 #586 Quito Rd at Cox Ave Date Received: April 24, 2024 Requesting Resident: Vasudeva Patchava Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: The intersection of Quito Rd and Cox ave Description of traffic safety concern: The current lack of regulation regarding left turns at this intersection has led to frequent instances of cars hitting our fence and damaging our property. I have personally witnessed several accidents and close calls due to drivers attempting left turns without proper signaling or yielding to oncoming traffic. Additionally, pedestrians attempting to cross the intersection are often put at risk due to the unpredictable flow of traffic. Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: I would like to propose the implementation of either a "No Left Turn” into cox from Quito, restriction or the installation of a traffic signal at this intersection