Crossing guard urges repainting, speed‑feedback sign and enforcement near Merlinda Elementary

A crossing guard at Merlinda Elementary School told the West Covina Traffic Committee she has observed multiple crashes and frequent dangerous driver behavior at the Belinda and Merced intersection and asked the city to repaint faded school‑zone markings, install a radar speed‑feedback device and add “do not stop in crosswalk” signage.

Mister Dubin, who identified himself as a crossing guard at Merlinda Elementary, told the committee he had witnessed two separate collisions the prior week and several other near‑misses since January. “So I just wanna preface that by letting you guys know that that's already 2 accidents just for this month,” he said, adding that drivers frequently run red lights and speed through the area. He described crosswalk paint that is already fading and said motorists often stop in the marked crossing to access a school parking lot.

Dubin asked for a solar speed monitor that flashes a driver’s speed in the school zone and for “do not stop or stand in the crosswalk” signage to enforce the 20‑foot clearance. He said those measures would improve safety for children, parents and crossing guards. He also reported a delayed emergency response at one recent crash and urged the committee to take measures to reduce the risk to students.

City staff responded that the corridor in front of the school is part of an ATP (Active Transportation Program) grant project; design proposals were recently submitted and are under review. Staff said the design proposals will be evaluated and that, if awarded, the design contract will be considered for award by city council in the coming months. Staff also said repainting, maintenance and smaller sign changes may be handled separately by public works maintenance while the grant design proceeds.

Staff asked Dubin for timing information about peak crossing hours; he said afternoons (roughly 5:00–6:30 p.m.) and weekday mornings are the busiest. The committee said staff will continue to coordinate grant design, maintenance repainting and potential placement of speed‑feedback devices and will notify Dubin when key procurement or installation milestones are scheduled.

No formal committee vote was required for the public comment; staff noted the ATP grant design proposals are under review and that design award and implementation will follow standard procurement and council approval processes.