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
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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.