A safer crosswalk

Mary A. Castillo

After the sun sets, drivers will get an extra reminder to stop for

pedestrians at the intersection of Cliff and Rosa Bonheur drives.

City workers installed solar-powered pavement markers along the

crosswalk on Jan. 8, Director of Public Works Steve May said. The

markers act as reflectors during the day and, once darkness falls,

light up to warn oncoming motorists.

May also confirmed that the city installed neon green pedestrian

warning signs and reflectors on the sign posts.

“Cliff Drive between Beach Street and North Coast Highway carries

moderate traffic except during peak traffic hours,” May said. But

when the intersection at Broadway and North Coast Highway backs up,

Cliff Drive serves as a bypass to North Laguna.

The intersection, which sits on a crest where the road bends, was

the site of a hit-and-run fatality two years ago on Jan. 18. Laguna

resident Elizabeth Stock had been on her way to return a library book

when she was struck by a pick-up truck at about 6 p.m. She died on

her 65th birthday.

Stock’s son Christopher filed a claim against the city on July 7,

alleging that the road’s dangerous conditions contributed to her

death. The City Council denied the claim on Sept. 5, 2000.

Residents have felt that the crosswalk improvements and the signal

erected at the base of Beach Street have made the area much safer for

travel.

“It’s a terrific thing,” said Gary Beverage, president of the

North Laguna Community Assn. “It makes people crossing the street

safer, and people who are driving feel better about seeing the

intersection.”

May also plans to reposition the lights over the crosswalk

starting next month. The pavement markers on Cliff Drive are solar

powered and battery operated.

“They cost $300 in parts and a couple of hours of labor,” May

said. He expects the batteries will need to be replaced in two years.

* MARY A. CASTILLO covers education, public safety and City Hall.

She can be reached at [email protected].