Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout1990-01-25 TRAFFIC & PARKING COMM.f- AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE LYNWOOD TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 25, 1990 AT 6:00 P.M. OPENING CEREMONIES 1. CALL FOR ORDER - CHAIRMAN JOE DARYL BATTLE 4 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. RECEIVED I 3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POSTING CITY OF LYNWOOD 4. ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS CITY CLE "",S OFFICE JAN 22 1990 ROBERT ARCHAMBAULT AM PM WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM 71819110111021I121314iM JOE DARYL BATTLE RONALD WRIGHT EDWARD PACHECO 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS SCHEDULED MATTERS 6. REVIEW OF EXISTING CROSSWALKS ON STATE STREET IN FRONT OF LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS COMMTSSION ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ADJOURNMENT tOS -680 d AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE LYNWOOD TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 25, 1990 AT 6:00 P.M. OPENING CEREMONIES 1. CALL FOR ORDER - CHAIRMAN WILLTAM CUNNINGHAM 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POSTING - 0 4. ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS ROBERT ARCHAMBAULT WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM JOE DARYL BATTLE RONALD WRIGHT EDWARD PACHECO 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC ORAI, COMMUNICATIONS SCHEDULED MATTERS 6. REVIEW OF EXISTING CROSSWALKS ON STATE. STREET IN FRONT OF LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INFORMATIONAL ITEMS COMMISSION ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ADJOURNMENT T04480 E • THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LYNWOOD December 21, 1989 A regular meeting of the Traffic and Parking Commission of the City of Lynwood was held on the above date in the City Council Chambers of Lynwood City Hall, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, California at 6:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Joe Battle. Commissioners William Cunningham, Robert Archambault, Ronald Wright, Edward Pacheco and Chairman Joe Battle answered roll call. Also present, were Jahanshah Oskoui, Associate Civil Engineer, Sergeant Sam Silva and Deputy Mike Duran of the Lynwood Sheriff's Department and Oretha Williams of the Engineering Division. The pledge of allegiance was led by Commissioner Pacheco. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF POSTING Jahanshah Oskoui announced that the Agenda of December 21, 1989, was duly posted 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting as prescribed by the Brown's Act. APPRO OF MINUTES Commissioner Cunningham motioned to accept the November 16, 1989, and Commissioner Archambault motion. Minutes were approved unanimously. PUBL ORA COMMUNICATIONS There were none. SCHEDULED MATTERS 1TEM'6. SWEARING IN CEREMONY BY CITY CLERK minutes of seconded the J. Oskoui. announced that it was scheduled that Commissioner Edward Pacheco be sworn in at tonight's meeting, however, because of the City Clerk's or Deputy City Clerk's absence, Commissioner Pacheco may be sworn in during regular working hours by the City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk. He will contact their office. ITEM 7. PRESENTATION - TRAFFIC CONTROL DURING CONSTRUCTION A video tape presentation, provided by the Automobile Club of Southern California, was viewed by the Commission. The presentation was of traffic control methods during public works construction operations. ITEM 8. ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS FOR THE TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION FOR 1990 The election for 1990, for new officers, was held and Commissioner Cunningham was announced the new Chairman for the Traffic and Parking Commission. Chairman Battle nominated Commissioner Wright to hold the position of Vice Chairman for 1990. J. Oskoui announced that the election for new officers for 1991 will be held in October of 1990. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Jahanshah Oskoui gave a brief presentation of the following, current Public Works projects: I. Sidewalk Reconstruction'Project for 1989 -90 J. Oskoui explained that the. Sidewalk Reconstruction Project is near completion whereby, 99% of the work is done. The balance of the project is expected to be completed within two weeks. 2. Atlantic Avenue Reconstruction Project J. Oskoui informed the Commission that the construction of the subject project was temporarily delayed due to a conflicting gas line. The project construction will resume in March of 1990. , 3. S.A.N. Project A contract was awarded to Excalibur Contracting Company in June of 1989. The City Council has recently added the San Miguel, Alpine and Norton Street (S.A.N.) Project. hack to the City budget. A preconstruction meeting will be held with the Contractor, Excalibur, during the later part of January of 1990. 4. Complaints for Month of October of 1989 J. Oskoui announced that during the month of November of 1989, the Department of Public Works received a total of 150 complaints. This number of complaints received reflects an increase of 58% compared to the previous month of October of 1989. Out of the total of 150 complaints, 74 has been resolved (Complaint Summary attached). E 9 It was announced that articles and newspaper clippings were attached for Commission information. COMMISSION ORALS Commissioner Wright expressed concern that the street sweeper seems to empty more trash from sweeper onto that streets, than he picks up trash. He requested a follow -up procedure of complaints filed, specifically for street sweeping. He explained that normally when he contacts the City regarding a street sweeping complaint, it is normally after cars have parked on the street. He requested the process of resolved complaints. J. Oskoui explained that the City's Street Supervisor monitors the street sweeping operation and responds to complaints. J. Oskoui stated that, in reply to Commissioner Wright's concern of street sweeping complaint, in addition, he will notify the street sweeping contractor and relay complaint to them. Commissioner Wright. expressed concern of several existing problems along the street near the freeway, east of Atlantic Avenue, ,just north of Fernwood Avenue: At the south end of Virginia Avenue and Fernwood Avenue, there are a number of potholes along the gutter area. East of Duncan Avenue, barricades have been left along the street. East of Atlantic Avenue, between Fernwood Avenue and Cortland Street are large potholes in the street. Commissioner Cunningham stated, he's observed other problems along Fernwood Avenue and nearby streets. Potholes in the streets, piled up dirt on Fernwood Avenue, and stagnant water on Pope Street near Fernwood Avenue. Jahanshah replied that staff has compiled a punch list to be forwarded to Caltrans to correct the many problems along the freeway construction area. Chairman Battle explained that, at one time, Southern California Edison provided the Commission with response list of inoperative street lights. He requested to see the program reinstated. J. Oskoui replied that, he will request from Southern California Edison a status list of inoperative street lights. J. Oskoui explained that an increase of sidewalk complaints have been received. Many residents have observed the contractor working in the City and would like to have their sidewalk in front of their resident repaired. This may have contributed the increase of sidewalk complaints. Commissioner Cunningham stated that Cornish Street at Imperial Highway has many potholes. J. Oskoui informed the Commission as part of the minutes are attached articles. One of the attached articles addressed mi.dbl.ock crosswalks. Chairman Battle stated that, he is concerned that the City financially support crossing guards for public and private schools. He suggested that the schools implement a training pool program to train volunteers for crossing guards. Commissioner Cunningham stated that the school superintendent's office should receive a copy of article which addresses the midblock crosswalks, so that information may be passed on to local public and private schools. Sergeant Silva requested the status of his request made at the November 16, 1989, meeting to have curb painted red at 11560 Wright Road. Mr. Grigley of Aloha Freight had requested the curb to be painted red. Large trucks and other types of vehicles park in front of the address and create obstruction to motorist. Sergeant Silva requested status made to have curb painted red at 4345 Pendleton Avenue. Sergeant Silva announced that cars were being sold on the parking lot of Alpha Beta Market; on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. He stated that the problem has been reduced by the Sheriff's Task Force. The Task Force has issued citations to violators. Sergeant Silva reported, his department has received a complaint from a resident that cars were not being ticked in the 3500 block of Brenton Avenue. He explained that, upon the complaint received, the Sheriff's Department responded to the complaint and investigated the problem. It, was found that the officer has been patrolling and issuing parking citations. Commissioner Wright wished each Commissioner and staff a happy holiday. Commissioner Archambaul.t stated that there are potholes on Pendleton Street, west of Atlantic Avenue in front of the elementary school -. Commissioner Archambault thanked the Sheriff's Department for promptly responding to a stolen car situation. Deputy Duran replied that special patrol. teams are assigned for specific responsibilities, such as stolen cars, etc. Sergeant. Silva stated that he was delighted to report that there were no reports of any type of violations made during the 1989 Christmas Parade. It was a smooth operation. He complimented Deputy Duran for his excellence in the coordination of the parade. 4 Commissioner Cunningham stated that he has received a complaint from Phyllis Goldsworthy that three vans park on the street at the corner of Linden Street and Beechwood Avenue. The vehicles are parked legally, however, the vehicles sometimes are parked too close to the driveway. Chairman Battle stated that, it was a pleasure to serve as Chairman for the Traffic and Parking Commissioner. Chairman Battle requested from the Sheriff's Department a Sheriff's Department, directory. Chairman Battle announced that a letter of commendation and thank you letter will be forwarded to Sergeant. Nemeth for his term served on the Traffic & Parking Commission. Chairman Battle requested a status of the restricted parking on Cal_iforni.a A J. Oskoui replied that an update will be presented at the January 1990 meeting. Chairman Battle requested a column to be included on the complaint. status report starting with November of 1989 and continuing. J. Oskoui stated that he will work on a system to include a follow -up on public works related complaints. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Archambault to adjourn the mooting to January 25, 1990, at 6:00 p.m. of the Traffic and Parking Commission in the City Council Chambers. T.t was seconded by Commissioner Wright. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. T04 -670 DATE JANUARY 25, 1990 TO' THE HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION FROM. JOSEPH Y. WANG, Y.E., DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS / l /�yj CTTY ENGINEER (J (J SUBJECT REVIEW OF EXISTING CROSSWALKS IN FRONT OF THE LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AT STATE STREET PURPOSE: That the Traffic and Parking Commission support staff's recommendation to eliminate an existing crosswalk at State Street and Poplar Avenue, to relocate the existing crosswalk at the north side of State Street and \orton Avenue to the south side, and implement additional safety measures and an educational. safety program. BACKGROUND: The Engineering Di-,ision staff has been instructed by Councilwoman Wells to investigate the existing crosswalks in front of the Lincoln Elementary School on State Street at Norton Avenue and Poplar Avenue. ANALYSIS: 1. Geometry of State Street. Right of Way Width: 120 feet Curb to Curb Width: 90 feet Features: Landscaped median islands along the street. 2. Existing Crosswalks a. State Street at Norton Avenue (north side) Yellow zebra crosswalk at the controlled intersection (four -wav stop). Additional protection for school children provided by an adult crossing guard. This crosswalk is not included in the suggested safest school route map. b. State Street at Poplar Avenue (south side) The ,yellow crosswalk at this intersection (Poplar is controlled by a two way stop) is not included in the suggested safest school route map. d. Acc ident History Total of fifteen accidents during the past two nears 1. Traffic Control Signs - School children crossing signs (h63) on both south and north bound directions (see attached). - Field sign (R7 -2) on north hound State Street (see attached). - Stop signs (RI) on State Street, Norton Avenue, and Poplar ikvenue (see attached). - Pavement markings - Slow School Crossing on State Street a.t4z- Los Flores. - Speed limit sign (RZ) - 35 mph on north bound State Street at Norton Avenue, and 25 mph when children present on south bound State Street at Norton :avenue (see attached). 5. Pedestrian C Staff has conducted a pedestrian count and the results are attached. In summary, although the accident history for the past two years (see attached) reflects a total of fifteen (15) accidents in the area under study, there have not been any accidents involving pedestrians. Therefore, it could be concluded that the pedestrian crossing in this area is safe. But it should be emphasized that crosswalk markings should not be used indiscriminately. Painted crosswalks do not always increase safety and pedestrians may get a false sense of security from the crosswalk markings and place themselves in more hazardous positions than they would if the crosswalks were unmarked. With regards to the crosswalk at State Street and Poplar Avenue, considering that it is an uncontrolled crosswalk, coupled with the fact that it is riot included in the suggested safest school route, and is in close proximity to the circle at Los Flores Avenue, which potentially could leave drivers travelling west bound on Los Flores turning north bound into State Street without ample stopping reaction time, and its existence defeats the purpose of concentrating the pedestrians to the controlled crosswalk at State Street and Norton avenue, therefore, staff recommends the removal of this crosswalk. U By eliminating this crosswalk, pedestrians would only have to walk an additional. 170 feet to the one at State Street and Norton Avenue, which only requires 45 seconds of walking time. Furthermore, the crosswalk at State Street and !Norton Avenue, which is being protected by an adult crossing guard, is being utilized much more than the crosswalk at State Street and Poplar Avenue. As previously stated, the crosswalk at the north side of State Street and Norton Avenue is not included in the suggested safest school route crossings, however, the south side of State Street and Norton Avenue is designated as one, with an adult crossing guard. Therefore, staff _jX recommends the relocation of the existing crosswalk and crossing guard on the north side of State Street and Norton Avenue, to the south side of the intersection. In addition, staff recommends the following additional safety measures and educational programs. 1. Replacing faded traffic control signs. 2. Trimming parkway trees to increase visibility of the stop signs at the intersection of State Street and Norton Avenue. 3. The Sheriff's Department, in cooperation with the Lincoln Elementary School officials, to conduct an education program regarding safe crossing of streets for the school children. RECOMMENDATION: That the Traffic and Parking Commission support staff's recommendation to eliminate an existing crosswalk at State Street and Poplar Avenue, to relocate the existing crosswalk at the north side of State Street and Norton Avenue to the south side of the intersection, and to implement additional safety measures and an educational program. V56.250 G z, o� 1� ST ej ni B CT 0 r 0 N T r O z m N n 0 F H � ..� T. 1 OAPISTRAND_ _ SAN JOSE OSGOOD AVE. TATE 02 ST. `. h a • I I i�w C-4-DO Ar e: � 12 / /s9 f?liY Ole-rl✓ T(E — 7 ann To t f � PrJ. S14Elc-, I oi' z El Hen-Po Go(j1 -j� T;P-L4 -Y tL /I �--'• ry MEONT TIME fld LL G� }T s +� !i,l ! ^Ui ! -: �'• OUT X W .r? OUj -� IS/-M 30 - as - fj oO 2; 2 I - 20 - 3 is - - 7 30 j0 2 1� ¢ 2(o I 4 7 as ,' 2 9 ( to 1 9 4 q 00 2 - Fi Is 30 as I D : 0O .30 45 �i -00 _ _ 3 2 - .IS - :3o 4 1 15 3 Cllr n, ., In - Ifl) 1 ! I A �[S .C�r '.> �Y G� T� LoGQTI 1�G� ( w� jHe2 P - rLY -�oYf Ns.�:f Su*� T 2 OF 2 T(mE "'v; T� C� ('� ❑ NoI1� cow -17ra [ �'E��c� Y _ r A, X • K MOVE- MENT TIME 1!'� 0 L IN {L.O OUT zi:1LT � ^I oJT I IS FPM :30 :45 'L 00 IS 4 30 45 - 8 I I _ E3 _ 3 00 log - 2P - 39 - 1 I+ 2 :1 4 — 12 3 13 s3 'i 2 30 2 z Z - 45 5 4: L l Is - _ 3 : 4s 2 - 3 2 ''✓ - 3 5-00 : 15 - - I z :30 w �JT if if UN !t y Wit Y4, fox Is , r e ass"' t� a utif iT In f�dlZTori ILVE. — it 1 'f oPL-,4? pr slop � t x YIEIG / PEVU� \ 1 f 00 td4LE 1 s ° X LDS F+ -1��� PAL CITY OF LYNWOOD (z�•.iE.� of iI-j Fe � LI►�GOI�� �L�r -�• SC{�ooL Cor472oL- DRWO. CKD. BY APPROVED BY DATE vTor 0 0 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Sidewalk Reconstruction Project for 1989 -90 The construction phase of this project is now complete. The total construction cost is $219,000. As a part of this project, damaged sidewalks. curbs and gutters, dri% e approaches and pavement at. 294 locations throughout the City were repaired 2. Southern California G =s Cnmpany - Istall.ation of Gas >1ain Line The installation of the gas mainline on the west side of Lon Beach Boulevard hetween Tweedv P.oulevard and Imperial Highway has been completed. The Gas Cnmpany's contractor, Hood Construction is completing the required pavement work. 3. SAX Project (San `fig'uel- Alpine, and Norton Avenue) Reconstruction Project The preconstruction meeting for the subject pro,iect was held on January 12, 1989. The Contractor, Excali -bur Construction Company, will start the construction by the end of January of 1989. The estimated cost of construction is $300,000. 4. Atlantic Avenue Reconstruction Project The installation of irrigation system, landscaping, and installing a City Entry marker in the median island on Atlantic Avenue, south of Abbott Road will be completed by the end of January of 1990. The reconstruction phase of this project will begin by the early part of February of 1990. 5. Complaints for December of 1989 The Department of Public Works received a total of complaints during the month of December of 1989. This number reflects a decrease of 50% compared to the number complaints received in November 1989. Attached is a break down summary of the complaints. "4-Hn MONTH: YEAR:' Cl DATE: NUMBER OF &MPLAINTS TYPE OF COMPLAINTS INCOMING % RESOLVED % UNRESOLVED % TRASH PICK -UP CLEAN LOT /CUT WEEDS 6 7.9 3 4.0 3 4.0 STREET SWEEPING 5 6.6 3 4.0 2 2.6 CLEAN ALLEY /STREET 14 18.5 4 5.3 10 13.1 TRIM TREE CONCRETE REPAIR - SIDEWALK 6 11 7.9 14.5 1 1 1.3 1.3 5 10 6.6 13.1 PONDING WATER 7 9.2 3 •4 4 5.3 POT HOLES 2 2 1 1.3 1 1.3 STREET LIGHTS 11 14.5 8 10.5 3 4.0 TRAFFIC SIGNALS 1 1.3 1 1.3 TRAFFIC SIGNS 3 3.9 3 3.9 SEWE PR OBLEMS 1 1.3 1 1.3 OTHER DE 6 7.9 2 2.6 4 5.3 OTHER TYPES OF COMPLAINTS 3 j3.9 1 1.3 2 2.61 TOTALS 76 00.0 32 42.1 44 57.5 r LVA VOL. 4, ISSUE 3 QJ FALL 1989 California adopts admin per se law California becomes the 28th state to implement an Administrative License Suspension program, effective July 1, next year Senate Bill 1623, by author Sen. William Lockyer, was signed into law at the conclusion of the 1989 legislative session. Administrative License Suspen- sion providesforthe Departmentof Motor Vehicles to suspend the driving privilege of persons driving with a 0.10 percent, or more, Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC); or refusing a chemical test of their BAC under the Implied Consent Law. This suspension process will be inde- pendent of any criminal sanctions im- posed by a court for the DUI offense. Overthe years, research in Cali- fornia has documented the results of the deterrent effect suspension of the driv- ing privilege. A study taken in the 1970's byDMV involved the comparison of two groups of drivers with multiple DUI con- victions; one group received a man- dated licensing suspension or revoca- tion while the other group did not receive the mandated sanction. Both groups re- ceived traditional jail sentences or fines. The study found that the group that had their licenses suspended had significantly fewer crashes and violations that the non - suspended group. Researchers reported the ef- fectiveness of the licensing sanction for persons who refused a chemical test under the State's implied consent law in 1986. Persons who were suspended for test refusal were found to have 72.2 percent fewer crashes during the six - month suspension period than persons whose licenses were not suspended. And the report says that the 18 months following the term of the suspension they continued to register 57.8 percent fewer crashes than the group that was not suspended. DUI offenders view license suspension as a severe penalty. Re- search shows that licensing sanctions are an effective driver control action for first time and repeat alcohol offenders, including those who refuse the chemical test, and that the resulting deterrence, both general and specific, results in sig- nificant crash reductions. Research recommends that alcohol education and treatment be required only in addition to license sus- pension or revocation, rather than as an alternative to such actions. This is the conclusion drawn from the education and treatment programs effectiveness studies, conducted by NHTSA. Several California district attor- neys confirmed that administrative li- cense suspension. will result in fewer continuances of DUI trials, and in reduc- ing court calendars. Administrative license suspen- sion in Iowa is believed to be a major contributing factor in achieving a 40 -year low in traffic deaths. Since 1976 Minne- sota has reduced its traffic accident death rate by 40 percent and its numbers of DUI highway drivers after midnight have been reduced by 60 percent. Educational information regard- ing admin per se enforcement will be offered in the next issue of 'TheCommu- nique" Inside Highlights LIFESAVERS18 conference Page 2 3 -D week kick -off Page 3 Media Junction Page 3 New OTS Grants Pages 4 and 5 The Smooth Operator Story Pages 6 and 7 Legislation Update Insert �calnson's �Br¢¢fittgs to III, from ®Z§� The Communique Page 1 r 0 Reduce Traffic Congestion Traffic congestion is one of California's most costly prob- lems. Every day, Golden State driverswaste more than 400,0000 hours in traffic delays, at an esti- mated loss of $700 million in pro- ductive time annually Traffic has grown five times faster than road capacity over the past 20 years. As a result, delays are increasing 15 percent in the Los Angeles area and 25 percent annually in the San Francisco Bay area. Also, commute times are projected to double or triple in most of the state's urban areas withinthe next eight years. To help unlock the gri- dlock, a multi- agency task force consisting of the California High- way Patrol, the state Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Cattrans, Departmentof Motor Vehicles and other federal and private organi- zations has identified several driv- ing behaviors that contribute to increasedcongestion. Transpor- tation officials figured that if those poor driving behaviors could be corrected or limited, the gridlock growth rate could be reduced. "We keep putting more and more cars on our freeways during rush hours," said Peter K. O'Rourke, director of the Office of Traffic Safety, and a CHP captain with 22 years of experience. "If we could reduce bad driving habits, we could have an in- credible improvement in the capacity of our freeway system - and make life a lot more pleasant for everyone." In order to accomplish that goal, the OTS earlier this year began the Congestion Reduction Program, a public education and awareness campaign aimed at discouraging improper driving habits. The program targets California's most congested corridors wit hin fou rof the state's urban areas: Greater Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay area (including San Jose) and Sacramento. The object of the program is to encourage drivers to take personal responsibility for correcting bad driv- ing habits. OTS engaged two Sacra- mento public relations firms to create the campaign. Together, they came up with the slogan "Be a Smooth Operator" to express the campaign theme. "We figured people wouldn't respond to a lecture about how to drive better," said Robert Deen, man- aging partner of Deen & Black. "in- stead, by promoting the 'Smooth Operator' approach, we wanted to give people a positive role model to emu- late." A key to the campaign was the recruitment of celebrities who would personify the "Smooth Opera- tor" theme. Two good - looking celeb- rities, a male and female, with recog- The Communique Page .q Traffic backs up as "rubberneckers" slow down to look at the officer pulling over a motorist. Other behaviors that cause congestion are: tailgating, improper ramp merging, unnecessary lane changing, inattention and poor emergency techniques. Smooth t7perator, continued nizable faces were used to attract the widest possible audience. Deborah Shelton, featured in the television series "Dallas" and the movie "Body Double," and Mario Van Peebles, star of NBC's's "Sonny Spoon, "were chosen as the "Smooth Operators." The Congestion Reduction Program did not have the funds needed for a paid advertising cam- paign, so the alternative was to create the campaign using public service announcements (PSAs) that are run free of charge by broadcast stations. Broadcast outlets, particularly in urban areas, receive numerous PSA tapes and requests for other public service messages or programming. In order to get on the air, a PSA must grab the attention of a stations's pub- lic service director and staff. The "Smooth Operator" spots incorporate the ingredients consid- ered necessary to get good air play a non - commercial, community service message; celebrities, professional camera works (35mm film was used instead of videotape), and a narrative twist. The spots used words with double meanings to suggest that the stars are alluding to romantic relation - shipswhenthey really are talking about good driving habits. The PSAs are just one part of the total "Smooth Operator" driver behavior campaign. Other elements include billboards, print public service ads, posters, media kits, video news releases, brochures, media briefing tours, media events and broadcast news and talk show appearance by key program personnel. OTS Director O'Rourke was a guest on listener call -in radio shows in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, talking about traffic con- gestion and the "Smooth Operator" program. Traffic reporters in major metropolitan areas were targeted for I The Communique Page 5 special attention because of their involvement with the congestion problem. "These broadcasts reach our prime audience - commuters in their cars," said O'Rourke. AnothercMical part of the campaign is participation by large private- sector employers. Many now have transportation coordi- natorswho are responsibleto help devise and implement regional traffic reduction plans. The "Smooth Operator" program tar- gets these coordinators as a means of reaching a large num- ber of commuters. Chevron U S.A. Inc , which has nearly 20,000 Califor- nia employees, decided to do more than participate in the program. The company became a sponsor E of the "Smooth Operator" campaign. "With a focus on educating the public about how theirdriving habits affect traffic congestion, this impor- tant program will play a vital role in helping to relieve highway congestion caused by poor driving habits," said W.J. Price, president of the San Fran- cisco- based company "Chevron's support of this campaign reflects our continuing interest in the quality of life for our employees, our communities and the motoring public." Reducing traffic congestion can make life easierfor everyone and the Office of Traffic Safety is commit- ted to making it better for all through its "Smooth Operator" campaign. Forfu rther information regard- ing the campaign, contact Freda Radich, OTS 916/445 -0527 or Robert Deen. Deen & Black Public Relations, 916/444 -8014. YEYtv,pYf ,Mh I +iE Bone xwa � xaY,o o"�rE!i 1 Editorial cartoon designed for use with an op-ed by -lined piece by O'Rourke. Chevron U.SA. Inc., government affairs representative Denny Samuels (center) presents a sponsorship check to Office ofTrafc Safety director, Peter K. O'Rourke (left) and OTS communications director Don Costan (right). 1] E Orange County Mon' orail Plan Is Talk of the Towns-: By ERIC BAILEY "It's a real significant milestone in putting together this project and TIMES STAFF WRITER making it a reality," said Santa Ana These days, they're all trying to Mayor Daniel H. Young, who is hop aboard this train. helping spearhead the effort for a In traffic-choked Orange Colin- regional monorail network. "We're ty, a proposal to build an 18 -mile hoping that developers see the monorail line through the heart of value of having a monorail station the region has normally staid polit- as part of their project." icos and bureaucrats abuzz with The network would link Disney - anticipation. land and Anaheim Stadium in the - The cities of Merton and Hun- north with the MainPlace shopping tington Beach have been clamoring mall and Civic Center in Santa in recent weeks to join five central Ana, then continue south, serving Orange County cities that have several large office developments, already started a push for the John Wayne Airport, and the " futuristic transportation system sprawling Irvine Spectrum office The proposal received another and industrial complex. The line {f' big boost last week when a Japa- could be extended to Fullerton, nese development conglomerate Huntington Beach or other cities announced that it wants to build a that express a strong interest monorail station as part of a mas- Other lines would branch off east " sive high -rise complex it plans for and west to feed riders to the main " northern Santa Ana, Please ace MONORAIL, AII7 _ i Los ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 1990 1 _MONORAIL: 1 Leaders Hop Aboard the 5, Bandwagon Colatlnued from Al, system. For instance, the short spur-,planned at the airport would! be expanded into a loop meander -- Ing through the Irvine business park, while another would link the Santa Ana Civic Center with the .c city's Amtrak station. Some officials seem to be leaning ^ toward traditional monorails akin to, the type at Disneyland, which straddle a single, rail and ride on .wheels inside the undercarriage. Others have suggested that the beat system might involve "mag- netic levitation" trains, which use ,.i electromagnets.to float the vehicle .:; just inches above the tracks and , propulsion. And some ex- ,.,,,pertr say traditional steel -wheel trolleys should not'be ruled out. The backbone of the system would be a line with monorail t •trains capable of traveling about 60 _.- m.p.h. and running along an ele- vatedrail stretching from Irvine in the south through various cities to as far north as Fullerton. Lower - - :Fenced monorail lines would branch _.off the main system to ferry pas - `sangers to locations to the east and. ,:9 west. '?'•: ,. = '<Hficials say the 'mo[iorail ;net work —which they,view as a dean, efficient method of easing highway innngestion— could: be, built along existing streets, requuulg the pur- cllas n... eof little or�o,private proper- . y ,:- Despite all the optimism. ptob =. le may loom. .1 So far, there has been little or no ' public discussion of :the. plans. No 'v hearings have been held, no work = ' shop's convened. Though the idea certainly appeals to city, leaders eager for a' out of . congestion, only time will'Iell how well it plays with residents or- " businesses in --tie _ shadow . of a -- monorail link?, - + i• ,;. Wore that however, local offi- r t ciaL¢svill have.to deal,votb.a bevy ¢f 4estions, most ;riotably� -how ch%tgrand :4mdet•t"ing, which y � cp. j�O Ulttost ngarly i billion, would. Anaheim qrs hope that a private firm can tie' thinking. No public rail system has Circulator ever been financed, built and oper- onorail, while the cities along the sated strictly by the private sector, 7 Amtrak �TELL4 AVE • t(,heir streets as the right of way for IANGEWOOdis ' el o ev elated rail system. With BOR — ve rs building the stations, l Z OLVID e line could be -realized at virtu- orth : America,' f.: said Brian, Santa , Peuaim, development 17TH ST Ana ,1 iq range County "Tiansit Dis- Civic Center it, "That is not to ray it couldn't '! ( But some officials suggest that it Happen if it was trail in with certain '; Circulator 1ST ST . oevelopment efforts.!! E 1 Las Vegas "Super - Train" ! The backbone of the monorail range system proposed In O Courlp• would be trains capable of trevellrlg about BO m.p.h. a e raised rail stretching from ne In the south through various titles to as far north as Fullerton. Lower-speed monorail Imes would branch off the main system to ferry passengers to locations to the east and west. As erwislomd, the monoreli network would link Disneyland end Anaheim Stadium in the north with the M Ana malt and the Chic Center In Serra Ana, several large office developments, John Wayne Airport, end ate sprawling Irvine Spectrum office and industrial complex, h would also link up In Anaheim with a highspeed 'super -train' planned to run from the city's train station to Las Vegas. The line 5 could also be extended to Fullerton, Huntington Beach or other cities Backbone line that express a strong �A, ! Interest South Coast Metro Circulator Costa Mesa Wayne Irvine Business Center Circulator - Irvine MACARTHUR . BLVD 7-: Young and many other support- ' F' There is precedent for such qrs hope that a private firm can tie' thinking. No public rail system has 'hared to build and operate the ever been financed, built and oper- onorail, while the cities along the sated strictly by the private sector, ;;mute ante up the median strips on transit officials say '• - t(,heir streets as the right of way for � ` "It's been done at airports and I el o ev elated rail system. With y went parks, but not with a ve rs building the stations, l transit system, kertainly not e line could be -realized at virtu- orth : America,' f.: said Brian, ally ho cost to payers other than , Peuaim, development director at A' what'they throw into the fare box, ,1 iq range County "Tiansit Dis- . the_predict. -:,_ . - -• it, "That is not to ray it couldn't '! ( But some officials suggest that it Happen if it was trail in with certain '; is unlikely such a rosy scenario will . oevelopment efforts.!! ` begoate reality. lrvine Mayor Lar -.;' :: Qlher local officials, meanwhile, : ry:d4ran, a staunch advocate of a' &$La privately speculated that *> eglpnal monorail ;system, main- - otutg has eagerly_ pounced on the `;(IQs that the project will probably e because of its appeal with s.;rGgt(tte a hefty„ dose ,of public °`•fi�an `" Voters. Much as construction of the Sati'Diego trolley helped boost the think it would be"wonderful if ,I political stock of Sen. Pete Wilson': spiii*te investinent _could build i,(Klralrt,) when he was mayor of (MtrAgran said,f'We're going to than_ city, a successful 'monorail certainly induce as much private : could fuel the career of the politi- as possible. But to sug- geii.!somehow that ,this will be ; clatimwho shepherds it in Orange! ;',County. "+ .::A , 41, , .handled almost entirely by the 0! -�'E1K sup porters ,of the effort to o d i� investment private Becton r tay, be misleading:' j i; ;$invate investment; say aucli : { I'd Ue'to'be proven wrong, but I' ! . '1l vations may not be such a bad think ' ;there '.will hivn to be sub-, ' ' ;. .. I< . , stant6l publicinvestn+,nL" rwftin .ypung is e�ciremely politi- - cally_ and he's grabbed a iger *, Ahe tail a nd gone for a de Wd Harvey Englander, a °;3dewpor Beach political consul- tant. "Now he finds a lot of people wanting to join him for the ride. "The naysayers ought to-jump out of the way. If they want, they can stand on the sidelines and say a private approach isn't going to work. They'll be in the same posi- tion as the people with horses who watched the Model A's roll by " Young, meanwhile, remains op- timistic, noting that he has re- ceived inquiries from about 20 transportation firms intrigued by the idea. f y; �Mx philosophy has been, 'You �lon t know until you ask, "' Young said. "The goal is for the private sector to respond to our offer, to take the'ball and run with'it. We want them to design, construct and operate this system. That's the goal. And we won't know until we get responses whether it's.realis- tic." >. Santa Ana Mayor 'Dan Young is extremely.., politically astute, and he's-grabbed a tiger by ` "the tall and gone for a ride. Now he finds a lot of people wanting to join him for the ride.', '­HARVEY ENGLANDER ' , Newport Beach political consultant r - Even officials in Irvine acknowl- edge that the effort to' seek a privately built system is worth a try. As now envisioned, the coali- tion of cities would ask for propos- als from private firms as early as April. "I think. the private sector is going to see the wisdom of this project and get on the bandwagon, ". said Paul Brady Jr., Irvine city' manager. "The public sector can not do it by itself." If public money does end up coming into the picture, Irvine is the only city that has a good prospect of accumulating a sizable bankroll any time soon. City offi- cials managed to get funding for a monorail line included in a state rail bond measure on the June ballot. If the proposition passes, $125 million in matching; funds Would flow. Into Irvine's city- cof-fers. "I don't. know what the other cities have going for them, - but I seriously doubt they have readily available resources that are only six months away," Agran said. 'With that money in hand, Irvine would probably be the first city to put the line in place and, as such, be in a position to dictate what type of technology is used. Agran's hope' is that an Irvine system could demonstrate the effectiveness of a monorail in Orange County, spur- ring state and federal officials to provide more funds so the line- could be extended. But it could also create a prob- ' lem. Other cities could be put in a position of either following Irvine's lead or creating a patchwork re- gional transportation system com- bining varying types of rail sys- tems that might not even be capable of operating on the same track. Monorail boosters like Young say _all_the_almmv_nredictions are -ri-._ diculous, arguing that the effort to build a monorail line can be coordi nated so the -various cities are happy with the results. "The goal is, to have a regional system that is compatible," said Young, who helped fuel the effort by calling officials from the cities together for a meeting last Novem ber, "I'm trying to head off any ,problems by pulling us all together. now We want to make sure this system is compatible from one city to the next. - All this'talk of,,monoraits was' 'sparked by a 1988'proposal to build a short monorail. =line to ferry passengers from the'terminal at [ Wayne Airport to''an office: complex planned nearby on Mae- Arthur Boulevard by ,McDonnell Douglas'Realty_Co ;. Construction has "delayed because ,Irvine officials have' yet to approve plans .(or the office complex, which is expected'to. get a. final, review:. in, February r March . t' Y »i, When 'Irvine',�managed to: squeeze a,spot'on'thelJune rail' .,bond measure, prospects for a .regional system grew. At.last`No• vember's meeting,_ county' officials -and reoresentetives�of-Sahta .Anaheim agreed to work 'toward issuing a joint request for proposals 'from private firms that might tie willing' to 'build and operate the system. . .y' k , 40 0 legislatWc �tpbate The first half of the 1989 -90 legislative session has been adjourned and the governor signed several traffic safety bills into law; many other bills have been amended and are still moving through the legislature. For further information on any legislation, contact the author of the bill. Bills signed into law this year include: SUMMARY AB 480: Polanco. Chapter 89 -281 This law providesforthe California Highway Patrol (CHIP) andthe California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to form an advisory committee to develop a program, using specified techniques, for response to, and management of, freeway incidents that effect traffic flow. AB 1808: O'Connell. Chapter89 -1023. Thislawadds additional periods of incarceration for DUI offenders when a minor was a passenger within the vehicle at the time of arrest. it also prohibits the suspension of the period of imprisonment by the court, even in the case of probation being granted. SJR11 Seymour Chapter 89 -R -51 This resolution encourages school districts to establish a Safe and Sober Graduation Night Celebration Programs. SB 408: Leonard. Chapter 89 -479. This law changes the presumptive limit for alcohol impairment, as it relates to driving under the influence (DUI), from a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 percent to a BAC of 0.08 percent. It also makes technical and conforming changes to several sections of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) that refer to the existing 0.10 percent BAC. SB 463: Seymour. Chapter 89 -980. This law raises the maximum fine from one - hundred dollars ($100) to two - hundred dollars ($200) for the first violation, and to three- hundred dollars ($300) for a second or subsequent violations, of specific speed laws by drivers of commercial vehicles, when the speed violation is 10 miles per hour above the speed limit provisions. l SB 1119: Seymour. Chapter 89 -1114. The law makes several changes to California statutes to bring them into conformance with federal regulations concerning the licensing of commercial vehicle drivers. Makes the suspension /revocation provisions of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) for conviction of driving under the influence applicable to drivers of commercial vehicles when they refuse or do not complete chemical test for determination of the alcohol concentration of their blood. Establishes .04 percent as the level of blood alcohol concentration at which commercial drivers are considered to be DUI. Adds a new section to the California Vehicle Code of Regulations, requiring a commercial vehicle to be placed out of service for 24 hours, when the driver has a detected concentration of alcohol in his /her blood of .01 percent. SB 1344: Seymour Chapter 89 -803 This law does several things: Provides for second or subsequent DUI offenders to participate in an 18 -month alcohol service program instead of the existing 12 -month program. Provides for first offense DUI offenders to participate in a three -month alcohol and drug service program as a condition of probation. Requires counties to establish alcohol and drug education and counseling programs. SB 1377 Russell. Chapter 89 -1429. This law requires all drug or alcohol programs funded with state monies to contain a clear non -use component for the unlawful use of alcohol or drugs. SB 1623: Lockyer. Chapter 89 -1460. This law provides for an Administrative License Suspension/Revocation process for DUI offenders independent of the criminal process. It provides for the suspension of a person's driving privilege after an arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), when a person refuses a chemical test to determine their blood alcohol concentration (BAC), or when a test is completed and the results indicate the person had a 0.10 percent or higher BAC. SB 1657 Green. Chapter 89 -247 This law extends the sunset date for the Alcohol and Drug Assessment Program, five years, to January 1, 1995. BILLS STILL PENDING AB 6: Floyd. Status: Vetoed. Requires safety helmet use by all drivers and passengers of motorcycles. AB 55. Hansen. Status: Senate Committee on Transportation. Changes the definition of motor - driven cycles, and provides for the impoundment of motorcycles driven by improperly licensed drivers. AB 78: Hansen. Status: Assembly Ways and Means Committee. Increases penalties for the fourth and subsequent convictions of DUI. AB 136: Floyd. Status: Vetoed. Reorganizes state government, eliminating agencies, and having departments 0 report directly to the Governor's office. AS 484: Killea. Status: Senate Committee on Transportation. This bill would require seat belts in the rear seats of passenger vehicles to be of the lap- should type that meet federal standards for Type 2 safety belts. The statutes would be applicable to vehicles manufactured or first registered in California after September 1, 1991 AS 738: Hauser Status: Assembly Committee on Transportation. Require judges to use discretion in the assessment of fines foroverweight vehicles loaded with specified materials/ goods, when the vehicles are not over 4,000 pounds overweight. A81157•Wright. Status: Assembly Committee on Transportation. This bill would allow local jurisdictions to post speed limits below those limits that would be justified by the 85th percentile. AB 1350: Kelley Status: Senate Committee on Local Government. Requires a persons convicted of Driving Underthe Influence (DUI) to pay all costs to public agencies incurred for his/her arrest or incarceration. AB 1363: Waters. Status: Assembly Committee on Transportation. Provides for the development of a Notice of Correct type of citation for equipment violations, as opposed to the Notice to Appear citation currently issued by enforcement agencies. AS 1479: Frazee. Status: Assembly Committee on Transportation. Provides an exemption for police officers from the requirements to wear safety helmets while performing their duties on an all- terrain vehicle. AB1502:Frazee. Status: Assembly Committee on Public Safety This bill provides that any public safety agency may assume scene management duties at an accident scene. AS 1648: Leslie. Status: Assembly Committee on Public Safety Changesthe presumptive limit for alcohol intoxication from 10 percent to .08 percent. AS 1740: Chandler Status: Increases the penalties for DUI. AB2025.Farr Status: Senate Committee on Judiciary Ignition Interlock Devices, standards and repeal of sunset provisions. AB 2040: Farr. Status: Senate Committee on Judiciary Ignition Interlock Devices. Technical changes to existing law AS 2359: Arieas. Status: Assembly Committee on Public Safety Provides for a person, at the option of the court, to be ordered to an in- patient program for alcohol rehabilitation as a condition of probation. AS 2450: Wyman. Status: Assembly Committee on Public Safety Provides for the administrative suspension of the driving privilege of a person arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) when they have blood alcohol content (SAC) of 0.10 percent or higher. This bill also increases the penalties under the Implied Consent Law. SB 319: Royce. Status: Senate Committee on Judiciary Provide for a 'Conclusive Presumption' of being under the influence of alcohol at a measurement of .20 percent. SB 587: Doolittle. Status: Assembly Committee on Transportation. Equipment condition of leased vehicles. SB 704: Stirling. Status: Senate Committee on Transportation. Establishes guidelines for jurisdictions to reduce speed limits. SB 708: Stirling. Status: Assembly Committee on Transportation. Proposes highway safety task force headed by OTS for the study of reducing traffic accident casualties. SB 864: Marks. Status: Senate Committee on Judiciary Provides for a person to enter an in- patient alcohol rehabilitation or substance abuse program as an alternative to any mandated incarceration (up to sixty days) resulting from a conviction of Driving Under the Influence (DUI). SB 1372: Petris. Status: Failed. Child restraint seats for rental cars. Seat belt use for police agencies. SB 1429: Green. Status: Assembly Committee on Public Safety Extends the Ignition Interlock Pilot Program four years, to 1993. SB 1551 Seymour. Status: Senate Committee on Judiciary Administrative License Suspension for DUI.