A South Pasadena coalition of Arroyo Vista Elementary School parents is calling for faster implementation of traffic safety measures near campus, citing ongoing concerns about student safety, recent incidents, and what some describe as gaps in coordination and communication between agencies.
The group, identifying itself as a “Parent Coalition for Safe Streets,” has circulated a public-facing outreach document outlining key concerns, proposed solutions, and a call for public participation at tonight’s South Pasadena City Council meeting.
According to the coalition, families have reported “repeated near-misses involving children walking and biking to school” since March 2025, with concerns focused on speeding, drivers running stop signs, and limited visibility at intersections.
Recent Incident Brings Urgency to Ongoing Concerns
The issue gained renewed attention following a March 23, 2026 traffic incident at Indiana Avenue and El Centro Street involving a child near Arroyo Vista Elementary. City officials confirmed that no injuries were reported.
In a March 24 response to The South Pasadenan News, SPUSD Superintendent Angela Elizondo Baxter acknowledged the incident, stating the District was “saddened to learn” of what occurred and reaffirming that student safety remains a priority.
The District also pointed to the School Board’s January 13, 2026 adoption of Board Policy 5142.2, which supports the development of safe routes to school through coordination with families, local agencies, and city planners.
While the statement confirms awareness and a policy framework, some parents involved in the coalition say it does not fully address the immediacy of current conditions around Arroyo Vista.
Specific Requests Center on Known Intersections
Beyond the Indiana/El Centro intersection, parents have consistently raised concerns about conditions at Cawston Avenue and Hawthorne Street, where they are requesting the addition of a third crossing guard.
In a follow-up inquiry to the District, The South Pasadenan sought clarification on several points tied directly to Board Policy 5142.2, including:
• Whether a recent safety assessment has been conducted at Cawston/Hawthorn
• Whether the request for an additional crossing guard has been formally evaluated
• What coordination has taken place with the City regarding crossing guard placement
As of the time of this report, those follow-up questions have not received a response.
City Response and Submitted Safety Plans
On the City side, Mayor Sheila Rossi responded promptly to inquiries from The South Pasadenan, providing detailed traffic safety concepts and confirming that coordination efforts with the School District have been initiated.
The materials shared by the Mayor include conceptual roadway improvements at key intersections, such as Orange Grove Avenue and El Centro Street, as well as nearby crossings. The plans illustrate potential measures including curb extensions (bulb-outs), lane narrowing to slow traffic, improved pedestrian visibility treatments, and the addition of delineators and upgraded signage.
Additional concepts shown in the City’s materials include:
• High-visibility pedestrian crossings with yield markings
• Installation of RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) systems with refuge islands
• Reconfiguration of curb space, including parking adjustments to improve sightlines
• Traffic calming elements designed to reduce vehicle speeds approaching crossings
The plans indicate that multiple safety tools are under consideration, combining both near-term striping and delineation changes with longer-term infrastructure improvements.
Mayor Rossi also confirmed that meetings had been scheduled with the School District to address several of the same concerns raised by parents.
Coordination Lag Emerging as Central Issue
While both the City and the School District have indicated engagement on the issue, the current concern emerging from parents is less about whether action is being considered and more about how quickly coordinated action is occurring.
According to information reviewed by The South Pasadenan, meetings between the City and SPUSD scheduled for February 24 and March 24 were canceled. At this time, it is unclear how those discussions are being rescheduled or advanced.
This apparent coordination lag — rather than a lack of planning — is becoming a focal point of community concern.
Coalition Calls for Accelerated Action
In its outreach, the parent coalition acknowledges the City’s ongoing studies and safety efforts but is calling for faster implementation and clearer communication.
Among the immediate actions requested:
• Placement of a crossing guard at Indiana & El Centro
• Completion and transparency of a traffic study during school hours
• Evaluation of additional crossing guard needs
• Implementation of California’s AB 413 “daylighting” measures to improve visibility near crosswalks
• Removal of certain parking areas identified as unsafe
• For long-term improvements, the group proposes installing a raised crosswalk as a traffic-calming measure.
The coalition emphasizes that while planning is underway, “additional improvements and more transparent communication” are needed, and that the incidents described are preventable.
Public Encouraged to Participate
The parent coalition is urging residents to attend the South Pasadena City Council meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday 4/15, or to submit written comments for inclusion in the public record.
A Developing Situation
The situation reflects the intersection of City infrastructure responsibility and school district policy, with both entities playing roles in student safety.
The City has demonstrated responsiveness and has begun outlining potential solutions, while SPUSD has emphasized its policy framework and commitment to coordination. At the same time, parents continue to press for faster, visible action in areas where students cross daily.
