In a recent city council meeting, officials and community members voiced significant concerns regarding traffic safety, particularly around the intersections of Pine Street and Fountain Avenue, as well as 15th Street. The discussions were prompted by a series of near-misses involving schoolchildren and local residents, leading to calls for reinstating stop signs and crosswalks that had been removed in a previous traffic plan.

Several residents shared personal anecdotes highlighting the dangers posed by the current traffic configuration. One parent recounted a close call her children experienced while crossing near Robert Down Elementary School, emphasizing the need for improved visibility and safety measures. Another speaker echoed this sentiment, urging the council to revert to the previous traffic setup, which included stop signs that provided clearer guidance for both pedestrians and drivers.

Council members expressed frustration over the changes, questioning the rationale behind the modifications that had been made without adequate public input or consultation with the Traffic Safety Commission. Council Member Beck remarked, \"If it's not broken, why did we fix it?\" and suggested that the council should acknowledge the mistake and restore the original traffic controls.

The council's discussion also touched on the potential installation of wigwag lights—flashing lights that alert drivers to pedestrian crossings—as a viable solution to enhance safety at critical intersections. While some members supported reverting to the previous configuration, others advocated for a more comprehensive review involving the Traffic Safety Commission and the Pacific Grove Unified School District to gather further input from stakeholders.

Despite the urgency expressed by community members regarding immediate safety concerns, some council members cautioned against hastily reversing changes without thorough analysis. They emphasized the importance of balancing pedestrian safety with traffic flow and compliance.

Ultimately, the council agreed to direct staff to engage with the Traffic Safety Commission and the school district to explore options for improving safety at the affected intersections. The discussions will include the possibility of reinstating stop signs and crosswalks while considering additional measures to enhance visibility and control traffic effectively. The council aims to address these pressing safety issues promptly, with a commitment to ensuring the well-being of students and residents alike.