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Council asks staff and police to pursue traffic safety and school security improvements at San Fernando schools
Summary
Council directed staff to return with options to improve traffic controls at San Fernando Middle School and to coordinate with LAUSD and the school principal about security at San Fernando Elementary after parents reported encampment, indecent exposure and a firearm threat.
Council members on Tuesday asked city staff and the police department to move quickly on two separate school‑safety concerns after San Fernando educators and parents described incidents near school campuses.
Councilmember Victoria Garcia raised reports from San Fernando Middle School about hazardous pedestrian crossings and asked staff to return with options — including a signalized crosswalk, study of traffic patterns, and a cost estimate for improvements — to improve student safety during drop‑off and pick‑up. Public Works staff said some recent paint and curb improvements were already completed on nearby roadways and that a more detailed traffic study and grant options (Safe Routes to School) can be brought back as part of the budget process.
Separately, San Fernando Elementary staff reported escalating safety incidents on and near campus, including a person living in a vehicle near the school, reports of indecent exposure, and one incident in which elementary students reported being threatened with what was later determined to be a replica firearm. The principal requested a customized safety fence and additional measures for the preschool and special‑education areas.
Police Chief said San Fernando police will respond to 911 calls at school sites and will make arrests where required. Chief and staff noted limitations in coordination with LAUSD and LA School Police for some incidents; the council asked staff to arrange direct contact between the elementary school administration and the San Fernando Police Department and to include the issue in an upcoming letter to LAUSD representatives. The chief said officers were available to coordinate with school staff and that any campus trespass should be reported immediately and the city will respond.
Ending: Council directed staff to prepare a short report with costed options for a pedestrian signal/crosswalk at San Fernando Middle School, to document possible grant funding pathways, and to meet with school administrators and LAUSD representatives about enhanced campus security measures; staff will return with options at the next council budget workshop and as part of the March 3 agenda discussions.
