During a recent meeting of the South Pasadena Public Works Infrastructure Commission, community concerns regarding traffic safety and speed management were brought to the forefront by a local parent. The resident, who lives on Ramona Avenue and has three young children, highlighted two critical issues affecting the safety of students in the area.

The first concern addressed was the intersection of Hawthorne and Costin, located near Arroyo Vista Elementary School. The parent reported alarming traffic conditions, noting that there have been near-fatal incidents involving young children who are often unaccompanied as they enter the school. Currently, there are no crossing guards or adequate safety measures in place, despite the high volume of traffic. The parent presented a petition signed by approximately 100 parents advocating for increased safety measures, expressing frustration over what they perceive as an unequal distribution of resources compared to Marengo Elementary, which has significantly more crossing guards.

The second issue raised was the need for speed calming measures on Ramona Avenue, where the parent reported that vehicles frequently exceed the speed limit of 25 miles per hour. With 26 children under the age of 18 living on the street, the parent emphasized the urgent need for effective traffic calming solutions, as current measures, such as palm tree leaves placed in the street, are insufficient. The resident urged the commission to consider implementing speed humps or other traffic management strategies to enhance safety for children playing in the area.

The commission acknowledged the concerns raised and noted that public comments had been received online, indicating a broader community interest in these issues. As discussions continue, the commission is expected to explore potential solutions to improve safety for students and residents alike, aligning with the community's goals for a safer and more walkable environment.