HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-04-2021 TSC Agenda PacketSaratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 1 of 4
SARATOGA
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
AGENDA
November 4, 2021
6:30 PM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19
This meeting will be entirely by teleconference. All Traffic Safety Commission members, staff,
and public will only participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The
meeting is being conducted in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order N‐29‐20
suspending certain teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The purpose of this
order was to provide the safest environment for the public, elected officials, and staff while
allowing for continued operation of the government and public participation during the COVID‐
19 pandemic.
Members of the public can observe and participate in the meeting by:
1. Using the Zoom website at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87056515247 or App Webinar ID:
870 5651 5247 and using the tool to raise their hand in the Zoom platform when directed by
the Chair to speak on an agenda item; OR
2. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833, entering the Webinar ID: 870 5651 5247 and
pressing *9 to raise their hand to speak on an agenda item when directed by the Chair.
The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person.
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.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if
you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, 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 2 of 4
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
Christopher Coulter (Chair), Manil Vasantha (Vice Chair), Belal Aftab, Chi-Kuang Chu,
Ray Cosyn, Mitch Kane
III. REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly
posted on October 28, 2021.
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. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL UPDATE
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
09-9-2021 TSC MINUTES – Draft
Recommended Action:
Approve September 9, 2021 Minutes
VII. SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION
Sheriff’s Report
• August citation summary and collision statistics
• Saratoga Avenue 6-month collision and citation summary
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
1. TSC Matrix 444 – Carniel Avenue
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
2. TSC Matrix 488 – Scotland Drive – Comprehensive Review
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
3. TSC Matrix 495 – Saratoga Oaks
Recommended Action:
Approve plan.
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 3 of 4
4. TSC Matrix 502 – Ravenwood Drive
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
5. TSC Matrix 503 – Pierce Road at Bella Vina
Recommended Action:
A. Approve Phase 1 plan.
B. Approve Area of Influence.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
6. TSC Matrix 505 – Bohlman Road at Kittridge Road
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
7. TSC Matrix 507 – Chester Avenue at Ten Acres Road
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
8. TSC Matrix 508 – Quito Road between Saratoga Avenue and Westmont Avenue
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
9. TSC Matrix 509 – Canyon View Drive above Reid Lane
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
10. TSC Matrix 510 – Quito Road at McCoy Avenue
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
11. Draft TSC Prioritization Process
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
12. Election of new Chair and Vice-Chair
X. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES
13. Staff and Commission Updates
a. TSC Handbook
b. Announcements
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 4 of 4
Recommended Action:
Accept updates.
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 October 28,
2021 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
September 9, 2021
6:30 PM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19
This meeting will be entirely by teleconference. All Traffic Safety Commission members, staff,
and public will only participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The
meeting is being conducted in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order N‐29‐20
suspending certain teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The purpose of this
order was to provide the safest environment for the public, elected officials, and staff while
allowing for continued operation of the government and public participation during the COVID‐
19 pandemic.
Members of the public can observe and participate in the meeting by:
1. Using the Zoom website at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87056515247 or App Webinar ID:
870 5651 5247 and using the tool to raise their hand in the Zoom platform when directed by
the Chair to speak on an agenda item; OR
2. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833, entering the Webinar ID: 870 5651 5247 and
pressing *9 to raise their hand to speak on an agenda item when directed by the Chair.
The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person.
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.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if
you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, 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 2 of 4
I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:30 PM
II. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Christopher Coulter (Chair), Manil Vasantha (Vice Chair), Belal Aftab, Chi-
Kuang Chu, Mitch Kane
ABSENT: Ray Cosyn
STAFF PRESENT: Franziska Church, Emma Burkhalter, Mainini Cabute, John Cherbone.
III. REPORT ON POSTING OF AGENDA
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly
posted on September 2, 2021.
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. HOUSING ELEMENT PRESENTATION
VI. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL UPDATE
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
07-08-2021 TSC MINUTES – Draft
Recommended Action:
Approve July 08, 2021 Minutes
VASANTHA/KANE MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. MOTION PASSED
(5-0-0-1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU,
KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN.
VIII. SHERIFF'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSION
Sheriff’s Report
June & July citation summary and collision statistics.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
1. Speed Bump Process - Draft
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
AFTAB/COULTER MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE SPEED HUMP PROCESS AS
CURRENTLY DRAFTED WITH TWO ADJUSTMENTS AS RECOMMENDED BY
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 3 of 4
THE TRAFFIC ENGINEER TO ADD “TSC MAY IMPLEMENT ALTERNATE
TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURE”.
KANE REQUESTED A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO NOTE THESE
ADJUSTMENTS ARE TO BOXES LABELED 23 AND 44.
AFTAB ACCEPTED THE AMENDMENT.
MOTION PASSED (5-0-0-1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER,
VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT:
COSYN.
2. TSC Matrix 444 – Carniel Avenue
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
COULTER/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO POSTPONE THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT
MEETING. MOTION PASSED (5-0-0-1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES:
COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
ABSENT: COSYN.
3. TSC Matrix 503 – Pierce Road at Bella Vina
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
VASANTHA/COULTER MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE TRAFFIC ENGINEER’S
RECOMMENDATION TO PROCEED WITH SIGNAGE/STRIPING PLANS
PRESENTED AS “PHASE 1” AND TO DIRECT STAFF TO INSTALL A SPEED
HUMP IN THE RECOMMENDED LOCATION. MOTION FAILED (3-2-0-1) BY
VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, CHU. NOES: AFTAB,
KANE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN.
AFTAB/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE TRAFFIC ENGINEER’S
RECOMMENDATION TO PROCEED WITH SIGNAGE/STRIPING PLANS
PRESENTED AS “PHASE 1” AND TO PROCEED WITH THE APPROPRIATE
STEP OF THE SPEED HUMP PROCESS (CITY SENDS OUT SURVEY TO
TSC/CITY-DETERMINED AREA OF INFLUENCE). MOTION PASSED (5-0-0-1)
BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU,
KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN.
X. NEW BUSINESS
4. TSC Matrix 504 – Pierce Road at Via Regina
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission Agenda – Page 4 of 4
COULTER/AFTAB MOTIONED TO FOLLOW THE TRAFFIC ENGINEER’S
RECOMMENDATION TO INSTALL A MIRROR AND TO DIRECT THE TRAFFIC
ENGINEER TO LOOK INTO RADAR FEEDBACK SIGNS THROUGH THE
WHOLE CORRIDOR. MOTION PASSED (4-1-0-1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL.
AYES: COULTER, AFTAB, CHU, KANE. NOES: VASANTHA. ABSTAIN: NONE.
ABSENT: COSYN.
5. TSC Matrix 505 – Bohlman Road at Kittridge Road
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA BY THE CHAIR AND
RESCHEDULED FOR THE NEXT MEETING.
6. TSC Matrix 506 – Glen Brae Drive at Cox Avenue
Recommended Action:
Review the item and make a recommendation.
KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO ACCEPT TRAFFIC ENGINEER’S PLAN TO
MOVE STOP BAR AND ADD CROSSWALK ACROSS GLEN BRAE AND ADD A
BULB-OUT, AND FOR STAFF TO WORK WITH CORNER PROPERTY TO TRIM
BACK VEGATION. MOTION PASSED (5-0-0-1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL.
AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. ABSENT: COSYN.
XI. STAFF AND COMMISSION UPDATES
7. Staff and Commission Updates
a. TSC Handbook
b. Reschedule November Regular Meeting
KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO RESCHEDULE THE NOVEMBER
REGULAR MEETING TO OCCUR ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH AT 6:30
PM. MOTION PASSED (5-0-0-1) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER,
VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT:
COSYN.
Recommended Action:
Accept updates.
XII. ADJOURNMENT – 10:31 PM
KANE/VASANTHA MOTIONED TO ADJOURN. MOTION PASSED (5-0-0-1) BY
VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB, CHU, KANE.
NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN.
Respectfully Submitted by
Emma Burkhalter, Public Works staff for the City of Saratoga
TSC Matrix 488
TSC Matrix 502
TSC Matrix 507
TSC Matrix 508 & 510
TSC Matrix 509
#444 Carniel Avenue – Improve Pedestrian Safety
Date Received: July 14, 2021
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Carniel Avenue at Blue Meadow Court/Sumner Drive
Description of traffic safety
concern:
I would like to bring to your attention that drivers are negotiating over the
corner curve blocks from Sumner into Carniel all the time.
I was close to getting hit by a car last week since I was walking inside the
corner curve blocks and sidewalk and the driver was driving over the hard line
and corner curve blocks.
I would like to request your help in placing some road signs to remind drivers
about not running over the corner curve blocks.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Suggestions to address the traffic safety concern - I am not an expert, but a
flexible pole around the corner may help drivers from driving over the corner
curved blocks.
History 1/10/2019:
COMMISSIONER HARRIS MOTIONED TO FOLLOW TRAFFIC ENGINEER’S
RECOMMENDATION TO INCLUDE SHOULDER STRIPING ON BOTH SIDES OF
CARNEIL AND REPAINT EXISTING DOUBLE YELLOW.
COMMISSIONER COULTER GAVE SECOND MOTION.
APPROVED 5-0 (AFTAB AND MCINTYRE ABSENT)
Striping improvements from attached plan installed early 2020.
5'
12'
12'
5'
Figure 1
Carniel Ave
Saratoga Sunnyvale RdScale: 1" = 30'
CONCEPTUAL - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
DETAILED ENGINEERING DESIGN REQUIRED
Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road / Carniel Ave
City of Saratoga
Carniel Ave Access EnhancementsBlue Meadow CtCUT BACK
FOLIAGE
EXISTING
SIDEWALK
EXISTING
SIDEWALK
LEGEND
TYPE 'G' ONE-WAY CLEAR RETROREFLECTIVE MARKER
6" WHITE RIGHT EDGE LINE
YELLOW CENTERLINE
'STOP' PAVEMENT MARKING
#488 Scotland Drive Comprehensive Review
Date Received: January 14, 2021
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Scotland Drive
Description of traffic safety
concern:
School speeding
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Comprehensive Review
Previous Meeting(s): 3/11/2021:
VASANTHA/CHOI MOTIONED TO DEFER THIS ITEM TO FALL ONCE IN-PERSON
SCHOOL HAS RESUMED FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF TRAFFIC COUNTS. MOTION
PASSED (7-0-0-0) BY VERBAL ROLL CALL. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA, AFTAB,
CHOI, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
13'14'INSTALL DOUBLE YELLOW CENTERLINE BETWEEN EXISTING CENTERLINES13'14'ADJUST EXISTING ARROW TOMATCH NEW ALIGNMENTINSTALL R2-1 "25 " SIGNINSTALL"25" PAINTADD CROSS STRIPINGADJUST EXISTING ARROW TOMATCH NEW ALIGNMENTINSTALL 6-FT SHOULDER, MINIMUMREMOVE EXISTING CROSS STRIPING14'15'6'9'6'
8'
14'Springer AveSigning and Striping ConceptFigure 1N.T.S.CONCEPTUAL - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. ADDITIONALDETAILED ANALYSIS AND ENGINEERING DESIGN REQUIRED.SPRINGER AVENUEMATCHLINE - SEE BELOW LEFT
MATCHLINE - SEE ABOVE RIGHT SPRINGER AVENUEBIG BASIN WAYSIGN LEGENDR1-2R2-1 "25 MPH"W13-1PN.T.S.NOTES:1.ALL STRIPING SHOWN IS NEW, REFRESH EXISTING STRIPING WHERE NECESSARY.MATCHLINE - SEE FIGURE 2W1-6LW3-1W1-6R
REPLACE W13-1P "15 MPH" SIGNWITH W13-1P "10 MPH" SIGNREPLACE W13-1P "15 MPH" SIGNWITH W13-1P "10 MPH" SIGNTRIM VEGETATION IN FRONTOF EXISTING SIGNINSTALL W1-6L SIGNINSTALL W1-6R SIGNINSTALL"25" PAINTINSTALL R2-1 "25" SIGNEXTEND RED PAINTED CURBTO 5 FEET NORTH OF MAILBOXINSTALL R1-2 SIGNINSTALL DOUBLE-YELLOW CENTERLINE STRIPINGFOR 50 FEET PRIOR TO ALL APPROACHES12'13'INSTALL"25" PAINTStoneridge AveSigning and Striping ConceptFigure 2N.T.S.CONCEPTUAL - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. ADDITIONALDETAILED ANALYSIS AND ENGINEERING DESIGN REQUIRED.STONERIDGE AVEMATCHLINE - SEE BELOW TOPMATCHLINE - SEE ABOVE RIGHTSTONERIDGE AVEN.T.S.MATCHLINE - SEE FIGURE 1INSTALL W3-1 SIGNBANK MILL RD
#502 Ravenwood Drive
April 12, 2021
Ravenwood Dr. and Quito Rd.
People speed down Ravenwood and there are little children living there. Also,
school traffic uses this road and parents also speed.
Date Received:
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Description of traffic safety
concern:
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Previous TSC Meeting(s):
Put a speed bump and/or do whatever else can be done to slow the traffic.
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. AYES: COULTER, VASANTHA,
AFTAB, CHU, COSYN, KANE. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE.
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.
#505 Bohlman Road at Kittridge Road
Date Received: August 05, 2021
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Bohlman Road at Kittridge
Description of traffic safety
concern:
This request is to install speed bumps on Bohlman Rd between the crossings
with Norton Rd and On Orbit Dr. The concern is in response to a car accident
that occurred on the stretch of road mentioned above on Saturday, July 31st,
2021 at approximately 5pm. The accident was a frontal collision between 2
vehicles. One of the vehicles was proceeding downhill at high speed and
nearly hit my car before crashing a few seconds later with one of the cars
behind mine causing it to fall off the side of the road. This request is to
improve safety for all residents in the area.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Install multiple speed bumps on Bohlman Rd, starting at the crossing with
Norton Rd up to the crossing with On Orbit Dr.
#507 Chester Avenue Between Apricot Hill and Arcadia Palms Drive
Date Received: September 1, 2021
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Chester Ave between Apricot Hill and Arcadia Palms drive
Description of traffic safety
concern:
Cars coming down Chester Ave towards Allendale are speeding down the
slope from Ten Acres towards Allendale (between Apricot Hill and Arcadia
Palms Drive), and there is a blind curve near my driveway at 14050 Chester
Ave. As I am making a left turn towards my driveway coming from the
opposite direction, there is always the possibility of a collision. I have had 3
incidents of near collision in the last 2-3 weeks.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Suggesting that the city put a speed bump on the S-curve on Chester in the
stretch between Apricot Hill and Arcadia Palms drive. There is already a sign
for the S-curve, but traffic does not slow down especially since it is a downhill
stretch of the road. The city has already put two speed bumps on Chester
near Allendale. I am recommending a 3rd one in this spot.
#508 Quito Road Between Saratoga Avenue and Westmont Avenue
Date Received: September 8, 2021
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Quito Road between Saratoga Avenue and Westmont Avenue.
Description of traffic safety
concern:
There is an increase in traffic volume, flow, and speed on Quito Road
between Saratoga Avenue and Westmont Avenue. Drivers are speeding and
distractedly driving in a hurry to their destination. During Covid, the volume
of traffic decreased temporarily, however the speeds increased
proportionately due to the more empty roads. This is causing a dangerous
situation for cars, bicycles, and pedestrians wanting to enter, exit, and cross
Quito Road from/to the side intersecting streets. With the significant traffic
increase coming from development at the Quito Center as well as El Paseo de
Saratoga, Quito Road will see a very large increase in traffic. We would
therefore like to address this problem long before it gets dangerously worse
when these developments are completed.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
We propose that Quito Road undergoes a traffic management and
beautification project, similar to what has been done on Prospect Road
recently. (green infrastructure, landscaping, irrigation, landscaped medians,
etc.) We strongly believe this will:
- slow down the traffic, since the road will not be as wide open
- make it easier for crossing Quito Road for through and side traffic (autos,
bicycles, and pedestrians)
- enhance the beauty of Quito Road
- increase the value of the neighborhoods off of Quito Road due to the
beautification and slower traffic speeds
#509 Canyon View Drive above Reid Lane
Date Received: September 14, 2021
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
Canyon View Drive above Reid Lane.
Description of traffic safety
concern:
CVD has many blind curves. It's always been a favorite stretch of road among
joggers, walkers (with or w/o dogs) and cyclists. Even X-C runners from
Saratoga High (yup the entire team). Driving up and down this street always
requires extra caution because it's twisty, narrow, has lots of (not very careful
or even aware) foot traffic, not to mention periodic home & garden repair
projects. Oh and parked cars. As people who live at the top of this road, we've
considered putting out flyers to pedestrian and cycling traffic to remind them
to cross to the other side whenever they find themselves at the inside of a
blind curve. But there are no ways to put flyers out by the roadside. Since the
pandemic, all foot traffic plus increasingly risky delivery truck traffic have
made this road unsafe. Delivery trucks & vans under time pressure drive at
unsafe speeds up and down the road, often veering into the opposite lane.
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
We'd like to see convex mirrors placed at blind curves (at the outermost point
of each curve on this road) so drivers & walkers can see oncoming traffic
around the bend, to take proper safety precautions (slowing down stepping
aside, etc.)
#510 Quito Road at McCoy Avenue
Date Received: October 6, 2021
Street name and cross street(s)
where the traffic safety concern
is occurring:
No traffic light at intersection of McCoy Ave and Quito Rd
Description of traffic safety
concern:
Both McCoy and Quito are busy streets and very dangerous for pedestrian
crossing the street. My daughter was almost hit by a car driving fast on Quito
when she was walking from YMCA to the other side of Quito. The car didn't
see her and didn't stop at the flash light. All my neighbors are complain about
how dangerous to pass this intersection. What's the process to request
adding the traffic light? Thank you!
Suggestions to address the
traffic safety concern:
Adding a traffic light at the intersection of McCoy Ave and Quito Rd