Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents urge Gardena to restore crossing guard and school signage at Amistoya Elementary
Summary
Parents told the council Oct. 22 they lack a crossing guard and needed signage at Amistoya Elementary’s Burrendo side; city officials said the police chief and public works director would follow up.
Parents from Amistoya Elementary told the Gardena City Council on Oct. 22 they are concerned for student safety at drop-off and pick-up because the Burrendo side of the school lacks a crossing guard and posted signage for a volunteer valet program.
"Currently, we don't have a cross guard," parent Maya Thomas told the council, saying the school and a new principal have engaged the city but "after 4–5 years now of attending the school, we haven't had any solutions." Another parent, Carla Rocca, said volunteers and staff completed training for a valet program on Sept. 5 but the required signage has not been installed, delaying implementation.
Naomi Hans, another parent, said she had witnessed dangerous conditions and recalled a student who had been hit by a hit-and-run driver on a nearby corner. The parents asked the council to work with the police department and public works to secure a crossing guard, install signage on the Burrendo side, and increase morning enforcement.
Mayor Serta responded that council would have parents speak with Police Chief Seffel and Public Works Director Riggs, who were present, and that staff would follow up on signage and enforcement timelines. Council also noted that some crosswalk responsibilities fall under Los Angeles DOT (Caltrans or LA DOT) where jurisdictional issues can complicate immediate fixes.
The council did not take an immediate formal vote on policy changes but directed staff to work with school and department officials to pursue solutions and provide an update at a future meeting.
