To: Councilmember Fiscalini

RE: All-way stop at Willow St. and Camino Ramon

November 17, 1998

Dear Councilmember Fiscalini,

The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association is requesting your support for an all-way stop sign at the corner of Willow Street and Camino Ramon. For over a year a group of residents have been working on safety issues relating to Willow Street. Last fall approximately 45 citizens attended WGNA boardmeetings to express their fears concerning Willow Street safety. Much of the discussion centered around the intersection of Camino Ramon and Willow Street. The following points are central to the reason WGNA continues to support an all-way stop at this location:

1. Pedestrian crossing to and from Bramhall Park is dangerous. The death of a 55 year old woman at the intersection mobilized people to take action. The park is a popular destination for parents with strollers, children, joggers, and dog walkers alike. I t has been pointed out to us by the City that pedestrian crossings without stop signs or signals give a false sense of security. A stop sign and cross walks are needed at Willow and Camino Ramon.

2. Left hand turns will become safer. Police officers at the Traffic Commission claimed that left hand turns are the cause of most accidents on this street. It only makes sense that when cars have to stop and take turns, the driver attempting a quick left turn in front of oncoming traffic is eliminated. Also the problem of motorists entering the bike lanes on Willow to get around those waiting to turn left is solved because all cars must wait for their turn at a stop sign.

3. Drivers of Willow Street are notorious for their speeding. This is partly due to the unobstructed stretch between Lincoln and Meridian Avenues. Willow Street is the only east/west street connecting Lincoln and Meridian that does not have one traffic signal or stop sign.

4. While Willow St. is designated an arterial in the General Plan, the section between Lincoln and Meridian is lined with residences and the street is not wide. Willow Street should not become an impenetrable barrier that separates our neighborhood because of speeding cars and difficulty in crossing.

5. Neighbors living at the corner, where impact is the greatest, support an all-way stop. There are 3 homes on the corner. Two homeowners have given strong support to an all-way stop and one, who is retired and travels often, has not voiced disapproval. A day care home operates on one corner and speeding traffic and unsafe conditions have been a problem for parents picking up their children.

The residents have been persistent in their efforts to pursue safer traffic conditions on Willow Street. Because of the unique conditions that exist at Willow Street and Camino Ramon, we ask you, as our representative, to join us in supporting the request for an all-way stop at this intersection.

Councilmember Fiscalini, we appreciate the time and consideration you give to us as a community.

Sincerely,

Kris Cunningham, WGNA President