Jefferson Elementary principal advocates for urgent traffic safety improvements

During the Bakersfield City Council meeting on September 11, 2024, significant concerns regarding traffic safety near Jefferson Elementary School were raised by Principal Anna Rivera. Accompanied by staff, parents, and community members, Rivera highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures in the area, which has seen increased traffic due to urban expansion since the school’s establishment in 1917.

Rivera described the perilous conditions faced by students and families as they navigate busy streets, particularly on Bill Avenue and King Street. She noted that speeding vehicles pose a serious threat, with pedestrians often risking their safety to cross streets without adequate supervision. The absence of a crossing guard at a critical intersection on Jefferson King, where over a hundred families cross daily, was particularly alarming.

Despite previous attempts to engage city officials, including a request for a traffic light on Beale Street, Rivera expressed frustration over the lack of response and support from the city. She pointed out disparities in traffic safety measures between her community and more affluent areas of Bakersfield, where similar issues are addressed more promptly.

Rivera's plea included specific requests for a traffic light at the Beale Street exit ramp, a four-way stop at Lincoln and King, and speed bumps on King Street. She emphasized the urgency of these measures, warning that without action, the community risks facing tragic consequences.

The meeting also included a brief segment on the consent calendar, which was approved without further discussion. However, the pressing issue of traffic safety at Jefferson Elementary remains unresolved, highlighting a critical area for city officials to address in future sessions. The council's response to Rivera's concerns will be closely watched by the community as they seek assurance that their safety is a priority.