City Council Members,
I fear anyday there is going to be a fatal or life changing accident for our students just trying to get to school. We have heard about the post COVID-19 shortage of officers and/or your desire to reimagine the police force, but enough is enough. We need more officers out protecting our kids now!
I have witnessed countless dangerous incidents around Oak Knoll and Hillview since school began this year, and where are our police!? It is unacceptable to ignore the pleading of parents, grandparents, and community members to increase police presence during school arrival and dismissal. So far, it seems you have all ignored our pleas. I urge you to prioritize the safety of our most vulnerable. I was happy to see police on bikes in front of Hillview last week, and hope to see them regularly. However, one day is not enough to quiet the many voices that are scared and angry with what we witness regularly.
Last week I witnessed to following and reported it to Hillview Principal ▒▒▒▒▒ Haug:
I was at the stop sign at Olive and Santa Cruz where the crossing guard stands. A Hillview parent or caretaker stopped their car in front of the crossing guard partially blocking the crosswalk. The driver let the child out of the car and then made a u-turn. The crossing guard was too nice and just watched (possibly in disbelief), but I couldn’t believe the audacity of the adult. This type of maneuver happens regularly.
I’m sure we all agree that this was a selfish and dangerous move and could have hit one of the hundreds of kids walking and biking to school.
I have volunteered the last few weeks at Oak Knoll trying to remind our adults about safe arrival practices. The parent volunteer force has helped but we need the help of our officials!
We need more officers patrolling our schools immediately. Please make this your top priority before it is too late.
Respectfully,
Katie Gardner
