Dear Community Members and Local Authorities,

Every morning, as my child and countless others make their way to Plaza Vista Elementary School in Irvine, California, a sense of apprehension lingers in the air. The crosswalk at Warner and Santa Ynez, one that should be a safe passage has, unfortunately, turned into a danger zone. We've had some terrifying close calls with drivers who blatantly ignore the stop sign and speed through the intersection, risking the safety of our children.

Imagine the heart-stopping moment as a car barrels towards the intersection, failing to stop, while children are still in the crosswalk. This isn't just a concern for my family; it's a shared fear among all parents and children in our community who depend on this route daily.

Statistics show that pedestrian accidents peak during school rush hours. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that, in 2021 alone, nearly 20% of pedestrian fatalities occurred near intersections. In an area bustling with elementary school students, the urgency to act is paramount.

Our local community deserves a safer environment for children walking to school, and we believe these improvements can be immediately actionable. We propose the following solutions to enhance safety:

1. **Install prominent flashing crosswalk signs** that alert drivers from a distance.
2. **Implement speed bumps** before the crosswalk to naturally slow traffic

3. **Regular police patrols or camera installations** to enforce speed limits and stop sign compliance.
4. **Initiate community awareness programs** on driving safety around schools.

By implementing these measures, we can create a safer path to education, alleviating the fears of both parents and young pedestrians. This crosswalk shouldn’t be a place of anxious caution but one of assured safety.

Sign this petition to urge the City of Irvine officials to prioritize our children's safety and take action on making the crosswalk near Plaza Vista Elementary School safe for everyone.