This letter is written to present some very relevant facts that were omitted in Mr. Hans Laetz’ article about the efforts to install a signal at the very dangerous intersection of Corral Canyon and PCH. The City and CalTrans made that decision only after numerous meetings by many concerned residents of that neighborhood with the City’s representatives (its City Manager and its Director of Public Works), representatives of CalTrans, representatives of the offices of the Hon. Sheila Kuehl (state senator), Fran Pavley (state assembly person), the Sheriff’s Department, appearances at noticed meetings of the City Council, the Traffic and Safety Commission of the City, the Planning Commission, some of its staff members, after two traffic studies conducted by CalTrans, and after a petition supporting the installation of the signal signed by hundreds of residents of that area which was presented to the City Council. The decision also involved the City’s providing some of the financing needed to do the engineering and design work involved in the installation of the signal and CalTrans cooperation with the City.
We are proud of the decision of the City and CalTrans and support their efforts to install the signal as soon as possible. We are confident that once installed, the signal will save lives and avoid serious injuries to persons and property of the nature experienced previously. We also think it is fiscally responsible since it may prevent the City and the State from being found liable in future law suits arising from injuries if they do not continue with their efforts to install the signal.
We recognize that some other people have a different view on this subject. That is their right, but they also had an opportunity to express their views at any of the meetings noted above. The City and CalTrans made their decision after extensive studies and meetings and after considering the impact on the residents and those traveling through the intersection. It is correct and responsible and they should not change their decision or delay the implementation of it because some people have decided at this juncture to try to derail this very worthwhile project.
Richard M. Neiter