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City proposes new circulation restrictions, signage and stop‑control studies near Arroyo Vista Elementary
Summary
Staff presented a traffic circulation plan for Arroyo Vista Elementary that would add time‑restricted left‑turn prohibitions, extended no‑stopping zones on Hawthorne, stop‑control warrant studies at four locations and unify school‑zone speed signage to 25 mph per California Vehicle Code; commissioners and parents raised concerns about raising some
City staff presented a traffic circulation plan for Arroyo Vista Elementary School on Oct. 8 that includes time‑window left‑turn prohibitions at key intersections, expanded no‑stopping zones on Hawthorne, four stop‑control warrant studies near schools and a proposal to make school‑zone speed signage consistent with the California Vehicle Code (staff proposed 25 mph in locations that currently display 15 mph).
The plan’s major proposed elements cited by staff included no‑left‑turn restrictions at Hawthorne & Carson and at El Centro (staff described two left‑turn restrictions during drop‑off and pick‑up hours), a no‑stopping‑anytime curb along the south side of Hawthorne from Pasadena to Indiana (initially proposed 7 a.m.–7 p.m. daily), and requests for four stop‑control (warrant) studies around city schools. Staff said they met with school officials and parents and that the majority of parents at the meeting accepted the changes, though some asked for lower posted speeds (15 mph) at some locations.
Staff also described coordination with the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, which intends to perform pipe work in the area. Staff said the sanitation district’s work will affect timing and implementation of circulation changes and that some proposed signs will not be installed until the sanitation project is complete. "We'll not be able to prohibit left turns or restrict no stopping anytime on the South Side Of Hawthorne until they finish their project," staff said.
Commissioners and parents raised several concerns at length: many asked that before signs are installed the city collect updated speed data and study traffic calming measures (for example, speed cushions or additional geometric changes) because the sanitation work and other temporary traffic controls could change traffic patterns. Multiple speakers said extending a no‑stopping zone to 7 p.m. could burden residents who use curb parking in evenings and for school events. Several commissioners said they support additional data collection, consultation with the principal and a follow‑up parents’ meeting before finalizing measures.
Staff said it would request consultant quotes for the stop‑control warrant studies, coordinate with the sanitation district on their traffic control plans, and plan an additional parents’ meeting prior to final implementation. The staff presentation and the public discussion made clear the proposal remains subject to change based on enforcement, community feedback and the sanitation district’s construction schedule.
