To Whom It May Concern:
I’m reaching out regarding the ongoing discussions about improving safety on Coleman Avenue. While various plans have been proposed, one crucial component seems to be missing: regular traffic enforcement patrols. My family and I have lived on Coleman Avenue for ten years, and we’ve witnessed a significant increase in dangerous driving behaviors, especially during peak morning and afternoon hours. This lack of traffic enforcement has contributed to what now feels like a lawless atmosphere on our street.
Recently, while in my front yard, my camera captured an adult driver in a Tesla speeding down the wrong side of Coleman to bypass the light (video attached), using the road behind the Korean restaurant as a shortcut. The footage clearly shows the driver bypassing all traffic rules, without even braking, and the sound alone indicates high speeds. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. We regularly observe similar violations, which is especially concerning given that Coleman Avenue is a major route for students from nearby schools—Menlo-Atherton, Laurel Lower, and Laurel Upper—during their 3pm dismissal.
Coleman Avenue hosts thousands of children who bike and walk daily, and without consistent enforcement of traffic laws, any infrastructure improvements will have limited impact. This is not a matter of sending an officer occasionally to placate complaints; instead, I urge you to consider a structured plan for regular patrols to deter reckless driving and ensure the safety of our community alongside the proposed traffic calming measures like speed bumps.
If more examples are needed, I’m happy to provide additional footage or conduct speed readings to illustrate how often drivers dangerously accelerate in an attempt to avoid the light at Coleman Ave and Willow which is another major problem at all times of the day.
While my concern is urgent, I believe we can prevent serious accidents with a proactive approach. Please let me know how I can support this effort or provide further information.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Best regards,
Cassandra Lopez and James Loftus
651 Coleman Avenue
