In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implementation of speed humps in school zones, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local school districts. Randy Garcia from the Streets and Maintenance department highlighted that the initiative originated from requests by school districts concerned about speeding in school zones, even after hours. The department plans to conduct speed studies to assess the situation and explore the feasibility of installing speed cushions based on these findings.

The conversation also touched on the challenges of maintaining anonymity for constituents who wish to petition for speed humps. Currently, the application process requires public records, which raises concerns for residents worried about backlash from neighbors. Officials acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining anonymity but expressed a willingness to consider the issue.

Additionally, representatives discussed the historical context of traffic calming measures, noting that previous city council decisions had placed the responsibility for such measures on school districts. This has led to confusion among constituents regarding the application process for traffic calming requests. Officials agreed on the need for clearer communication about the roles of residents and school districts in these requests.

The meeting also addressed the significant costs associated with installing speed cushions, with estimates reaching over $2 million for 40 installations. Some representatives expressed frustration over these costs, urging the department to seek innovative solutions to expedite the process and reduce expenses.

In a separate presentation, the council received an update on the All Abilities Playground project, part of the 2022 community progress bond initiative. Daniela Quezada outlined the extensive community engagement process that informed the planning, including surveys and public meetings. The project aims to create an inclusive playground that caters to all abilities, with a budget of $10 million allocated for its development.

The council is now moving forward with the next steps, including soliciting architectural and engineering services, with hopes to begin construction soon. The discussions underscored the city's commitment to enhancing community safety and accessibility, while also addressing the logistical and financial challenges involved in these initiatives.