By Enforceable speed is now 25 mph
Your Oct. 17 article on El Monte traffic calming contained some outdated information.
The enforcement of the 25 mph speed limit on El Monte is no longer restrained by the 85th percentile rule, an antiquated law revised by Assembly Bill 2767 and signed by the Governor on June 28, 2000.
The new law specifically allows local authorities to consider residential density or pedestrian and bicyclist safety when setting a speed limit. Local authorities, specifically the Los Altos City Council, approved setting the speed limit on El Monte at 25 mph between Springer and Foothill Expressway. Police Chief Don Johnson has been given direction that he should use good judgment and enforce the law.
The reason that this is important is that modifications to El Monte will take time. TJKM, the consultant being used for El Monte, acknowledges that the laws have changed since the project was initiated.
In the interim, El Monte remains a severe hazard area for children, bicyclists and pedestrians. This includes the rear entrance to Almond Elementary as well as future access points to Covington Elementary.
By formally setting the speed limit on El Monte at 25 mph we have an enforceable law that will bridge the gap until effective traffic calming can be applied.
The council has chosen to side with the concerns of local residents and the parents of school children in an effort to preserve our community. Those who chose to endanger our community by their reckless driving habits, believing that they can hide behind an antiquated 85th percentile rule, are in for an expensive surprise.
The radar enforceable speed limit on El Monte, and all residential streets in Los Altos, is 25 mph.
Kurt AyersLos Altos
Taking too long? Council had big issue
Perhaps the Los Altos City Council was agonizing over spending $878,000 of the taxpayers’ money (Linda Taaffe’s article) instead of merely setting a 30 mph maximum speed limit and heavily enforcing the law. Could they have felt the weight of that much responsibility? And as far as deciding issues ahead of time in a private meeting, I’m sure the Town Crier would be the first to howl in protest.
T. Rohrer(No address given)
Thanks to firemen, neighbors
I would like to thank the Los Altos Fire Department who did such a womderful job on Oct. 3 in putting out the fire in my home and rescuing my beloved cat.
I would also like to thank all my wonderful neighbors who offered assistance and help, and including Catherine and Kristen Wantanabe who were prepared to use hoses on the fire until the firemen arrived.
Many thanks to all of you.
Norma Fox
Los Altos
