UPDATE 4/12/2025

After yet another tragic incident, parents and concerned residents of Palo Alto got together and updated the demands. We are combining the petitions; you can find the other petition HERE.

The Issue:
This petition emerges from deep sorrow and pain. Today, a life was tragically lost—a student from Palo Alto High School (Paly). This incident exposes the reality of the dangerously hectic commute our children encounter everyday while crossing the Churchill intersection to get to school. Compounded with heavy traffic on Alma Street, the concurrent pass of trains creates an untenably unsafe environment for students during peak hours which is only made worse by the very limited sidewalk space at that intersection.

The intersection, specifically during the school hours, witnesses high student pedestrian traffic along with regular car traffic on Alma for parents dropping their kids off and regular peak hour traffic of people passing Palo Alto on their way to work etc. The current Caltrain schedule allows trains to pass through these peak hours, multiplying the risk for our students. This problem has now escalated to a point where it isn’t only a concern, but a pressing life-threatening issue.

We demand the following: 

1- It's illegal to turn right on Churchill going south on Alma during peak hours. The sign is not visible and most people are not aware of this. This illegal turn needs to be enforced by monitoring by cops and handing out tickets to any one who breaks the law.

2- During peak hours, a large percentage of the 1,992 kids who go to Paly cross Churchill intersection. Permanent Crossing guards need to be posted during peak hours to ensure kids cross Alma safely and monitor the number of kids reaching the junction can safely be accommodated on the junction in case the train comes before they have a chance to cross the tracks. There is not enough space for all children on foot, bikes or e-bikes without finding themselves stuck between a train and alma high speed traffic.

3- During peak hours, the railway junction should be monitored by a security guard to ensure safety of children.

4- The junction itself needs to be improved by making more room by cleaning up bushes on one side and using the unused space, creating a sort of a bull pen that can provide more space for kids to stand in that area safely. See proposal here. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Q-BAERvsYVqumnaMLrqhZQKuX_HTtm0x05qS3-954S8/edit?usp=sharing

5- Caltrain to adjust their schedule during school peak hours to avoid any trains passing the Churchill intersection.  This adjustment would need to be made for just 4 trains out of the ~28 Caltrains that run on this path in the morning and evening each. Alternatively these 4 trains can slow down when passing through this junction between 8.30-9am and 3.30 to 4.30pm every week day.

These simple adjustments could drastically increase the safety of our children’s journey to school. It's time we prioritize the safety of our children over the routine functioning of a public transport schedule.
 
Please sign this petition and help advocate for the much needed changes for the sake of our children just trying to get to school.

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Original Petition:
We, the concerned residents and parents of Palo Alto, are writing to express our deep apprehension regarding the safety of rail crossings intersecting with streets in our city. The recent tragic incident involving a pedestrian has shaken our community to its core, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action to address safety concerns at these intersections.

As residents, parents, and members of this community, we are gravely concerned about the safety of our children, students, and pedestrians who utilize these crossings daily. The thought of our loved ones being exposed to potential risks and hazards while navigating these intersections is distressing, and we cannot stand idly by while their safety is jeopardized.

We urge the Palo Alto City Council to expedite discussions with Caltrain and rail consultants to swiftly develop and implement effective solutions to address the safety concerns at rail crossings. The lives of our residents, especially our children and students, are at stake, and every moment of delay puts them at unnecessary risk.

Furthermore, we implore the city to prioritize the voices and concerns of its residents in these discussions. As the ones directly affected by the safety issues at these intersections, our input and perspectives are invaluable in identifying and implementing solutions that will truly enhance safety for all.

We understand that discussions with Caltrain and rail consultants may involve complex negotiations and considerations. However, we urge the city to prioritize expediency and efficiency in these discussions, ensuring that the safety of our community is not compromised or further delayed.

The time for action is now, and we urge the city to proceed as quickly as possible in its discussions with Caltrain and rail consultants about ways to address our concerns. Our community's safety cannot wait any longer, and we look to our city leaders to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the well-being of all residents.