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Arts commission narrows rainbow crosswalk options, asks staff for renderings and maintenance feedback
Summary
Commissioners discussed proposed downtown rainbow crosswalks, material and design options, and recommended staff return with visual renderings and feedback from cities that have installed similar crosswalks.
The Arts and Culture Commission on Jan. 16 discussed guidance for installing rainbow crosswalks in downtown Santa Ana and asked staff to return with renderings and maintenance feedback from other cities.
Staff said the city council requested commission guidance on locations and materials and identified possible intersections including Broadway at Second Street, 4th and Spurgeon, 4th and Main, and 3rd and Broadway. Staff estimated about $8,000 to paint one crosswalk leg and roughly $32,000 to paint all four legs of an intersection, with expected longevity of three to five years and annual maintenance of about $1,500.
Staff advised that designs must comply with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which requires that white outer crosswalk lines remain. Council suggested the city consider the Progress Pride flag, a variant that adds trans and Black/Brown community representation, in addition to traditional Gilbert Baker color schemes.
Commissioners debated location and visibility. Several favored 4th and Spurgeon for proximity to existing downtown hubs and the LGBTQ center; others said 4th and Main offered central visibility. Commissioners asked staff to produce renderings showing the proposed Progress Pride and traditional designs at both 4th & Main and 4th & Spurgeon, to seek feedback from other cities on maintenance experience, and to confirm how the downtown streetcar alignment might affect installation and longevity.
Commissioners also discussed material and maintenance tradeoffs: designs with many small painted shapes may chip more quickly than long colored strips. No formal action or vote was taken; staff will report back with renderings and any technical material recommendations.
