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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-2024 TSC Agenda PacketSaratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 1 of 4 SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION AGENDA September 12, 2024 AMENDED AGENDA • 09/09/2024 MEMBER REMOVED FROM ROLL CALL. SHERIFF’S REPORT LINKED. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ADDED TO TSC MATRIX 589. ITEM ADDED: 7. SAFE DRIVING FLYER. • 09/12/2024 SAFE DRIVING FLYER DRAFT LINKED. COMMENTS ADDED TO TSC MATRIX 591. DATE: September 12, 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 4 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL Robert Eng (Chair), Alec Gulesserian (Vice Chair), 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 September 5, 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 07-11-2024 TSC MINUTES – Draft Recommended Action: Approve July 11, 2024 Minutes VI. SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION Sheriff’s Report • July & August 2024 citation summary and collision statistics • Matrix Item Data VII. OLD BUSINESS 1. TSC Matrix 565 – Farwell Ave Staff Report Comments from Previous Meetings Recommended Action: Approve plans for construction. VIII. NEW BUSINESS 2. TSC Matrix 588 – Prospect Rd at Covina Ct Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 3. TSC Matrix 589 – Big Basin Way Comments Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 3 of 4 4. TSC Matrix 590 – Portos Dr & Ronnie Way Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 5. TSC Matrix 591 – Chester Ave Comments Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 6. TSC Matrix 592 – Saratoga Ave at Saratoga Glen Pl Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. 7. Safe Driving Flyer - Draft Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. IX. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES 8. 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 September 5, 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. Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 4 of 4 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 July 11, 2024 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Robert Eng (Chair), Alec Gulesserian (Vice Chair), Stephen Li, Jason Mount ABSENT: None. 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 July 3, 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 05-09-2024 TSC MINUTES – Draft Recommended Action: Approve May 9, 2024 Minutes ENG/MOUNT MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-0) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. VI. SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION Sheriff’s Report • May & June 2024 citation summary and collision statistics • Matrix Item Data VII. OLD BUSINESS 1. TSC Matrix 503 – Pierce Rd at Bella Vina Comments Comments From Previous Meetings Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Minutes – Page 2 of 3 Additional Comments 07-10-2024 Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. MOUNT/ENG MOVED TO RELOCATE SPEED HUMP 35-70 FEET TO THE WEST. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-0) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. LI/ENG MOVED TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC CALMING BOTTS DOTS AND GUARD RAIL AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TRAFFIC ENGINEER. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-0) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 2. TSC Matrix 565 – Farwell Ave Staff Report Attachment A Comments From Previous Meetings Additional Comments 07-11-2024 Recommended Action: Approve second round of surveys. ENG/LI MOVED TO APPROVE SECOND ROUND OF SURVEYS. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-0) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. VIII. NEW BUSINESS 3. TSC Matrix 587 – Quito Rd at Avon Ln Recommended Action: Review the item and make a recommendation. ENG/GULESSERIAN MOVED TO ADD A MIRROR AND SIGNS TO QUITO ROAD AS RECOMMEND BY THE TRAFFIC ENGINEER. MOTION PASSED (4- 0-0-0) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. IX. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES 4. Staff and Commission Updates a. TSC Project Updates b. City Events c. TSC Handbook d. Announcements Recommended Action: Accept updates. Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Minutes – Page 3 of 3 X. COMMISSION ITEMS None. XI. ADJOURNMENT – 8:55 PM Respectfully Submitted by Emma Burkhalter, Public Works staff for the City of Saratoga Page 1 of 2 #565 Farwell Ave Date Received: June 29, 2023 Requesting Resident: Marilyn Danny Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Farwell Ave Description of traffic safety concern: Speed has greatly increased in the last year! Farwell is a popular street for runners, walkers, bikers, skaters, etc. It's also a major cut-through from Saratoga-Los Gatos Road to Fruitvale Avenue... Definitely worse when school is in session! John Cherbone suggested we fill out this form to begin a study of our situation, although it should have been done before the end of the school year! Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: Radar speed feedback sign in place... & probably time to consider something like speed bumps? Other ideas? Page 2 of 2 TSC Action: 9/14/23: MOUNT/ENG MOVED TO ADD STREET TO RADAR FEEDBACK TRAILER ROTATION AND CAPTURE NEW SPEED DATA WITH THE TRAILERS IN PLACE. IF THE 85TH PERCENTILE SPEED IS REDUCED BY MORE THAN 3 MPH, INSTALL PERMANENT RADAR FEEDBACK SIGNS WITHOUT FURTHER DIRECTION FROM TSC. OTHERWISE, BRING BACK TO TSC FOR REVIEW. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0- 1) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU. 11/2/23: ENG/LI MOVED TO HAVE STAFF ASK RESIDENT IF SHE WANTS TO PROCEED WITH RESIDENT-LED SPEED HUMP PROCESS OR STRIPING PLAN (EDGELINE STRIPING). STAFF TO BRING APPLICABLE CONCEPTUAL PLAN BACK TO FUTURE MEETING. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-1) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: CHU. 03/14/24: 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. 05/11/24: ENG/LI MOVED TO APPROVE SECOND ROUND OF SURVEYS. MOTION PASSED (4-0-0-0) BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: ENG, GULESSERIAN, LI, MOUNT. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. From:noreply@civicplus.com To:Britt Avrit; Crystal Bothelio; Emma Burkhalter Subject:Online Form Submittal: Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 12:58:47 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 Hari Pillai Phone Number Email Address Is this comment about an existing item under review by the Traffic Safety Commission? Yes Traffic Matrix Number (if known) 565 Street Name(s)Farwell Avenue Comments I'm not in support of speed bumps for a number of reasons including that a) the 2020 traffic study indicated leaving the 25mph limit in place b) speed bumps are a problem for older cars with lower clearance that do not have lifters c) we should try intermediate measures first like enforcement and speed readers (like Saratoga-Los Gatos near downtown). I have not seen any Sheriff speed enforcement action on Farwell in many years and I would like to see this corrected before we spoil the rural nature of the area with more signs and visual pollution. Lets address enforcement. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. From:noreply@civicplus.com To:Britt Avrit; Leslie Arroyo; Emma Burkhalter Subject:Online Form Submittal: Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form Date:Thursday, July 11, 2024 1:17:32 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 Hari Pillai Phone Number Email Address Is this comment about an existing item under review by the Traffic Safety Commission? Yes Traffic Matrix Number (if known) 565 Street Name(s)Farwell Avenue Comments Dear Traffic Safety Commission I am writing to you to protest the way the Farwell Road speed bumps proposal has been “steered” through the process on four specific grounds. First, the City has conducted studies on Farwell Road in in multiple locations and over multiple months and the results show that on average (mean) the speeds were about 1-2 miles above the posted 25 mph speed limit. In no cases did the 85% percentile of speeds recorded exceed ten MPH above the posted speed limit as per TSC’s process. Additionally, measurements taken were not taken in identical locations which means that TSC comparison of before and after calming measures are not valid. This initiative seems to be led by a few residents with the covert assistance of staff to achieve an end goal and that is not how government should run. Second, TSC’s own process calls for the evaluation of “incremental approaches”. Per staff, in writing the only incremental approaches were “refresh and extension of striping on the curve”. This is not appropriate and reasonable as there are many other alternatives. Applying striping around the curve where most people slow down anyway is not a serious commitment to follow TSC’s process and evaluate incremental approaches. An analogy would be like applying a tourniquet to the arm of someone whose leg is bleeding and then claiming that it did not make any difference to the rate of bleeding. Thirdly, the spirit of the TSC process seems calls for fair and reasonable area of influence. In this case the area of influence applied specifically excluded residents of Versailles, El Puente and Wild Oak Way who (unlike general traffic) don’t have any other choice but to use Farwell Avenue. This feels like gerrymandering to shape the results and should not be acceptable to TSC. Fourth, the recommended actions per the agenda for today’s meeting reads “Approve second round of surveys” but this is totally misleading. When you read the detail, the real recommendation is to re-write the rules so that the votes received can be made to meet the 80% hurdle that has not been met. In other word, if the survey does not give us the results we want, change the rules so it does. The survey has not achieved the required 80% positive response rate by the due date (even after “informal help” to extend the due date). This matter should be closed. Summary This matter should be dismissed or closed with no further action. If the matter is not dismissed, then we should start all over again and incremental approaches need to be seriously evaluated and surveys need to include in the Area of Influence all residents who have no alternative but to use Farwell. In addition, Staff should apply the rules properly, transparently and in the interests of all residents. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING DATE: September 12, 2024 DEPARTMENT: Public Works PREPARED BY: Emma Burkhalter, Associate Engineer SUBJECT: TSC Matrix 565 – Resident Survey Results Round 2 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Direct City staff to implement the approved Farwell Ave speed table plans. BACKGROUND: On July 23, 2024, City Staff used certified mail to send surveys to the 6 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 33 surveys were returned (out of 35) and the remaining two 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 30 YES (86%), 2 NO (6%), and 3 No Preference (8%), with all speed hump adjacent properties (19607, 19691, 19753, 14866, 19550, 14850, 19670, 14835, 14911, and 14781 Farwell Ave) having submitted their surveys with a response of YES (9 of the 10) or No Preference (1 of the 10). It is therefore recommended that the Commission direct City staff to move to the next step in the Speed Hump Process, which is to implement the approved Farwell Ave speed table plans. 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: Belal Aftab Kookie Fitzsimmons Chuck Page Tina Walia Yan Zhao Current Resident 00000 Farwell Av Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Resident, The City of Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission was asked to review Farwell Avenue and provide a solution for the speeding that was occurring. The Commission recommended the installation of four (4) speed tables, contingent on the approval of the residents in the determined Area of Influence. The proposed locations of the speed tables are shown on the included speed table plan, which also shows the proposed striping and signage that will accompany the new speed tables. You are receiving this letter and survey because you are within the determined Area of Influence for the speed tables and because we did not receive a response from your address for the first survey that was sent out. This second round of surveys is being mailed to ensure that everyone in the Area of Influence has a chance to be heard. However, in order to move forward with this request for speed tables, if City staff does not receive your completed survey by August 30, 2024, it will be considered a vote of “No Preference.” Please complete and return the survey by August 30, 2024 using the pre-stamped envelope. The results of the survey will be presented at the next Traffic Safety Commission meeting, on September 12, 2024 beginning at 6:30 pm, held both in person at 13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga and 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 Enclosures 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 Please complete and return the survey below by August 30, 2024 using the pre- stamped envelope. 1. Name: ____________________________________________________________ Address: 00000 Farwell Av, Saratoga, CA 95070 ___________________ Phone #: ____________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________ Please circle Yes, No, or No Preference to the question below. 2.Should the City install four Speed Tables at the proposed locations shown in the map attached to this survey (at approximately 19607/19550, 19753/19691/19670, 14781/14835/14850, and 14911/14866 Farwell Ave)? YES NO No Preference Thank you for completing this survey! If this survey is not returned to City staff by the date above, we will assume your response is No Preference. Page 1 of 1 #588 Prospect Rd at Covina Ct Date Received: July 15, 2024 Requesting Resident: Swati Hangal Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Prospect and Covina Description of traffic safety concern: The traffic often does not stop at the crosswalk even after hitting the crosswalk button. Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: Additional pedestrian safety signage Monitoring the crosswalk to enforce the traffic to stop In my opinion, this crosswalk requires a traffic signal Page 1 of 1 #589 Big Basin Way Date Received: August 16, 2024 Requesting Resident: John Page Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Big Basin Way west end of Village Description of traffic safety concern: When the village is busy, cars often park on the south side of Big Basin Way, right on the right hand curve as it enters the village. There really isn't any room for cars to park there but the squeeze in somehow, The problem is this completely cuts off the sight line as you round that bend. You often round the bend to find pedestrians in the traffic lane. Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: Make the curve a no parking zone. From:Henry Coles To:Emma Burkhalter Subject:Re. TM 549 Big Basin Way Date:Thursday, September 5, 2024 7:56:33 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Hello Emma, I often ride my bike from Pierce Rd to town on Hwy 9. When entering town at the right hand turn if cars are parked too far away from town the turn is dangerous for cyclists because there is no shoulder space. Because the turn is to the right, following traffic that are about to overtake cyclists can't see that we are riding in the traffic lane which is the only area remaining to ride. I suggest the parking needs some sort of distinct limit so that traffic can see cyclists in time to avoid an accident. -Henry Coles Reid Lane From:noreply@civicplus.com To:Britt Avrit; Leslie Arroyo; Emma Burkhalter Subject:Online Form Submittal: Traffic Safety Commission Comments Form Date:Friday, September 6, 2024 6:21:52 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 Chloé Vaillant Phone Number Field not completed. Email Address Is this comment about an existing item under review by the Traffic Safety Commission? Yes Traffic Matrix Number (if known) Field not completed. Street Name(s)Big basin way, west end of village Comments comment on #589 Big Basin Way I highly agree with this submission and the recommendation to ban curbside parking in this small area for the sake of visibility and pedestrian safety. I believe the safety of people walking downtown and crossing the street should be prioritized over the use of the road for free private vehicle storage. Cars coming from the mountain into downtown are usually at higher speeds and this combined with blocked visibility is dangerous for residents. This is an easy fix and I support the removal of curbside parking in this corner. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Page 1 of 1 #590 Portos Dr at Ronnie Way Date Received: August 27, 2024 Requesting Resident: Pratima Koka Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Ronnie way & Portos Dr Description of traffic safety concern: During rush hours 8AM -8.30 AM & 2.30pm-3.30PM, no one follows speed limits n stop sign. It’s very unsafe for many kids in my lane who bike to Redwood as there is no sign for bike sharing and also morning walkers as no sidewalks during that time. Another personal issue is taking out our car from driveway is impossible for 5-10 minutes. Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: We need to control incoming traffic from Saratoga Ave through Ranfree & Portos during this hours and monitor the traffic speed and Stop sign. We need signs to share road or bike lane. Page 1 of 1 #590 Chester Ave Date Received: August 28, 2024 Requesting Resident: Sharareh Moraveji Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Chester avenue in front of 14003 Description of traffic safety concern: Over 50 percent of cars are traveling at least 15 mph above the speed limit. One car was traveling at a high speed at the curve and crashed into the creek. On several other occasions I was nearly ran over when I went to get my mail. I can no longer go out to my front yard because of my concern that someone may crash into our home due to the speed. I am a physician ans work from home for the past 2 years. Last few months, I placed two large yellow "slow down" signs in front of our home, but cars continue to travel at high speeds. Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: We need two humps to be placed in front of 14003 Chester avenue. Page 1 of 1 #592 Saratoga Ave at Saratoga Glen Pl Date Received: August 29, 2024 Requesting Resident: Marcia Fariss Street name and cross street(s) where the traffic safety concern is occurring: Saratoga Avenue (northbound) at Saratoga Glen Place Description of traffic safety concern: During large chunks of the day, leaving our street to access northbound Saratoga Avenue is impossible due to traffic going southbound on Saratoga Ave. During those times, we need to move into the median area in order to make the left hand turn onto Saratoga Ave. That makes us a sandwich between the north and southbound vehicles. Scary and often dangerous. There appears to be just enough space between the opposing traffic lanes to make a stack lane for a merge into northbound Saratoga Ave. traffic. No more than 2 cars and maybe just enough for one but that would be safer than what currently exists. It isn't just the residents of our street that use Saratoga Glen Pl. as the access onto Saratoga Ave. so it would benefit many residents of our neighborhood. Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern: See above--small stack lane to access Saratoga Ave.