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Residents tell council reckless driving near Northgate High is escalating; city to review enforcement
Summary
Several Walnut Creek residents told the City Council on Feb. 18 that frequent reckless driving and late-night “donuts” near Northgate High School and other locations are disrupting neighborhoods and endangering people and pets. Council acknowledged the concerns and noted police follow-up; no ordinance change or formal policy vote was recorded.
Residents described multiple incidents of reckless driving, hit-and-run crashes and fatalities near schools and retail areas during the Walnut Creek City Council’s public-comment period on Feb. 18.
Gregory Maesler, who identified himself as a Walnut Creek resident living near Northgate High School, told the council drivers have done “donuts” at the corner of Bowling Green and Castle Rock near his home and that the activity sometimes occurs around 3 a.m. He said the behavior wakes neighbors and escalates risk for pedestrians and cyclists; Maesler cited a recent case in which his neighbor’s dog was struck and killed and recited a license-plate number he said he had captured: “It is 8VRZ052.”
Another commenter, Gail Hayden, told council she lost a family member to a speeding incident in Walnut Creek and said community members at the farmers market were asking where to take complaints about speeding and disruptive driving. Hayden urged the council and staff to publicize options for residents and to consider enforcement steps.
Mayor Cindy Darling noted an officer present in the chamber and the mayor or staff encouraged residents to speak with police after the meeting; the council did not enact any new traffic ordinance or a formal motion at the meeting. City staff and councilmembers acknowledged ongoing public-safety concerns and said they would follow up with appropriate departments to review enforcement options, community outreach and timed patrols.
Why it matters: speakers tied late-night and daytime reckless driving to threats to pedestrian and bicycle safety, school zones and neighborhood quality of life. The council heard specific location information and asked staff to respond with the appropriate enforcement and outreach steps.
Less-critical details: residents mentioned several prior incidents in the city, including a bicyclist killed near the Target store. A police officer (named at the meeting as Ryan Hibbs) was available to speak with residents after public comment.
