Council asks staff to coordinate with LAUSD on improved crossings near San Fernando Middle School and Glen Oaks bike-path exit

Councilmember Victoria Garcia raised safety concerns about the Brand Boulevard drop-off area in front of San Fernando Middle School and a dark, unlit pedestrian crossing where the bike path exits onto Glen Oaks Boulevard. Staff said they have received two formal letters from LAUSD and will coordinate field assessments, possible parking prohibitions, expanded loading zones, and grant-funded lighted-crosswalk or traffic-control options. LAUSD representatives confirmed ongoing coordination and said their environmental health and safety office and in-house engineers will participate in next-step discussions.

Why it matters: schoolfront drop-off and bike-path crossings intersect high pedestrian volumes and vehicle traffic; councilmembers said immediate, low-cost mitigation (signage, temporary enforcement) should be combined with grant applications for longer-term infrastructure like lighted crosswalks or larger curb-loading areas.

Key details: staff reported a prior LAUSD letter suggesting parking prohibitions on Third Street and expanded loading zones on Brand Boulevard; city engineers will field-assess the site to avoid creating a net negative impact for nearby residents. LAUSD's Martha Alvarez said the district can provide preliminary traffic assessments and that the district and city will pursue potential grant funding and operational adjustments (including parent-staff safety programs) to address concerns.

Next steps: staff will continue coordination with LAUSD and return with options, pursue Safe Routes to School or other grants where applicable, and evaluate interim measures such as additional patrols or school crossing enforcement.