City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz reminded the Council that the city has just secured another Caltrans Safe Routes to School grant, one of only two awarded to a Ventura County city. “Staff applied for the seventh cycle of Sate Routes to School” and will use the funds for improvements at East Harvard Boulevard and 5th Street, where the Isbell Middle School main parking lot is located.Beacons and concrete medians on the sides of the street “so students can move into the bike lane improves visibility,” proven by studies and embraced by Caltrans, said Turner.“The community has to know that with all this construction going that they will benefit from this,” although Luna said it might create some temporary inconveniences. “In Fillmore they’re doing a big drain right down Central and everybody is upset over there.... We’re creatures of habit,” but the public must recognize that “everything public works is doing today is for the future.Turner said that new solar powered lighted crosswalks would be located at the intersection of Ventura and Oak streets, Ventura Street and Palm Avenue, and 5th and Santa Paula streets. Once charged, the solar powered lights will be operable for up to eight days of heavy cloud cover.
City going solar with three new lighted crosswalks in school areas
May 07, 2008
Santa Paula News
Additional lighted crosswalks will be installed at three intersections used by school children, the City Council learned at the April 21 meeting.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesAdditional lighted crosswalks will be installed at three intersections used by school children, the City Council learned at the April 21 meeting. The city must provide a 10 percent match for the latest Safe Routes to School grant that funded the lighted crosswalks, a major priority for Councilman Ray Luna.Interim Public Works Director Jon Turner said that a problem surfaced after the initial lighted crosswalks were installed: “They’re all wired together,” and if the wiring of one is pulled out for repair the rest become inoperable. The three new crosswalks, he noted, will be solar powered, flush with the pavement so that motorists won’t even notice them as they drive over. Construction bids will be presented to the Council later.“I would have to say it’s amazing that technical and solar power” has so advanced, said Luna, who thanked Turner and staff for securing the latest grant. “It’s going to be much safer not only for parents and children, but for those driving,” noted Luna. “I’m glad to see we’re finally getting a community that is a walkable community.”
