Residents urge stronger enforcement on stored vehicles, distracted driving; commissioners press daylighting implementation

Several residents used the general public comment period at the Salinas Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting to press for stricter enforcement of parking and vehicle‑storage rules, to urge enforcement of the state’s daylighting law near crosswalks, and to call for lower neighborhood speed limits in school zones.

Stored vehicles and parking enforcement

Peter Zalai, a North Salinas resident, commended the city for a designated no‑parking day for street sweeping and the city’s education and warning program connected to the new daylighting law. "I commend the city on 2 initiatives that will improve safety. A designated no parking day to permit effective street sweeping and the education and warning program to implement the new daylighting law which prohibits parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk," Zalai said. He described a proliferation of long‑stored vehicles in neighborhoods — some with flat tires, tarps and vegetation — and asked the commission to "support both initiatives and to recommend proactive enforcement" rather than relying solely on resident complaints.

Distracted driving and slower neighborhood speeds

Eloise Shim, speaking during public comment, described repeated close calls as a pedestrian and urged drivers to stop using cell phones while driving. "Don't do your cell phone while you're driving," she said, adding that she waits to make eye contact with drivers before entering crosswalks.

A third commenter welcomed the new commissioners and proposed making congested neighborhoods 15 mph zones near schools and banning right turns on red where children are present. The commenter also suggested school‑based driver training.

Commissioner and staff discussion

Commissioners responded by discussing enforcement capacity and existing laws. Commissioner Hammer referenced the state daylighting law by number, noting its intent to keep approach areas to crosswalks clear: "AB 413, that's the daylighting law." Staff explained how the daylighting distances are applied in practice: "If there's a curb extension...it has to be 15 feet of no parking. If there's no curb extension, it's 20 feet," the staff presenter said, noting the measurement is taken from the start of the crosswalk on the vehicle approach.

Commissioners also discussed enforcement limitations, the city's contract for parking enforcement, and the city's Active Transportation Plan, which includes corridor upgrades and separated bike facilities on some streets. Staff said the Active Transportation Plan (adopted September 2024) identifies potential corridor improvements such as separated bikeways and buffer zones that could use physical separation devices in locations without frequent driveways.

What residents asked for and what staff can do

Public speakers asked the commission to recommend proactive enforcement strategies including curb‑painting, active patrols rather than complaint‑driven responses, and outreach during ballot or petition processes. Staff advised residents to report consistent parking violations through the city’s service request system (Salinas Connect) so parking enforcement can log repeat locations and target enforcement accordingly.