Community calls for urgent action to improve school safety

During a recent West Valley City council meeting, community members raised urgent concerns regarding student safety and neighborhood issues. One resident highlighted the need for a gate on a catwalk connecting Valley Junior High to Alice Way, citing a recent incident where police had to intervene to disperse a large group of students loitering in the area. The resident emphasized that the presence of a gate could help manage student movement and reduce the need for police intervention, which has become a significant drain on resources.

The resident noted that approximately 75% of the students involved in the incident were Hispanic males, suggesting a need for targeted community engagement. They also expressed frustration over the lack of authority from the school and local police once students leave school grounds, urging the city to explore solutions.

Another speaker, Frank Pedrosia, raised concerns about traffic safety at a school crosswalk, recounting a near-miss incident involving a speeding vehicle. He criticized the response from the non-emergency police line, which he felt was inadequate in addressing the urgency of the situation. Pedrosia warned that without immediate action, the potential for serious accidents at the crosswalk could lead to tragic outcomes.

The meeting underscored the community's call for improved safety measures and better communication between residents and local authorities, as they seek to address pressing issues affecting their neighborhoods.