Implement Pedestrian Safety Measures on N. San Fernando Road and Hallett Avenue

1,148

The Issue

Every day, hundreds of students ranging from 4 to 18 years of age face a safety risk just by attending Renaissance Arts Charter Academy, a local public school in Los Angeles. The invaluable joy of learning and growing is overshadowed by the lurking danger posed by the current crosswalk on San Fernando Rd. Known for its perilous nature, we have witnessed countless 'close calls' on this street, and, tragically, our worst fears were realized last week when a child was struck by a car at this very location.

This alarming incident underscores the urgent need for pedestrian safety measures to be implemented at the crosswalk in front of Renaissance Arts Academy. Our children deserve a safe passage to their place of learning. Parents, educators, and concerned citizens have tirelessly voiced their concerns to the city, advocating for measures such as a pedestrian traffic light, a traditional traffic light, a crossing guard, or a combination of these safety enhancements. Yet, action has not been forthcoming, and we can wait no longer.

Statistics from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation indicate that intersections without adequate crossing systems experience a notably higher rate of pedestrian accidents. An effective pedestrian safety measure can drastically lower these risks, ensuring our children's safety and providing peace of mind to parents and educators.

We are calling on the Los Angeles City Council and relevant municipal bodies to take decisive action. Implement concrete safety measures at this crosswalk to protect our children and support a safe educational environment. It is not enough to hope for change; we must ensure it to prevent another tragedy from occurring.

Join us in this crucial petition to safeguard the future of the students at Renaissance Arts Charter Academy. Sign now to urge the authorities to prioritize the safety of our children and make our community safer for everyone.

avatar of the starter
Charles MillerPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Eunisses Hernandez
Eunisses Hernandez
Los Angeles City Council - District 1
Responded
“Re: Petition to Implement Pedestrian Safety Measures on N. San Fernando Road and Hallett Avenue Dear Renaissance Arts Charter Academy community, Thank you for contacting me about your concerns about street safety near Renaissance Arts Charter Academy. Like you, I was deeply concerned to learn that a student was struck by a vehicle near the school. Incidents like this are unacceptable, and my office takes responsibility for remedying this in the long term. When Renaissance Arts Charter Academy was approved to operate at this location, they agreed to specific conditions set by the City of Los Angeles and LAUSD. These conditions are outlined in a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which allows the school to operate in this neighborhood, insofar as certain requirements are met. A drop-off plan submitted in 2021 satisfied the conditions regarding improving safety at Hallet and San Fernando (see below). This Parent and Student Handbook is updated and shared with parents every year. Our office is working with the Department of City Planning, the Department of Transportation, and the Bureau of Engineering to improve the intersection at Hallet and San Fernando Road. We have also requested a school zone designation from LADOT and have asked that this request be treated as an urgent priority. In addition, we are identifying other cost-effective safety upgrades and repairs that can help protect pedestrians in the area. We understand this is a pressing matter, and I share that urgency. My office will keep you informed as this work moves forward. In solidarity, Eunisses Hernandez Los Angeles Councilmember, 1st District DROP-OFF / PICK-UP PROCEDURES DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP IN THE FRONT PARKING LOT AT 2558 N. SAN FERNANDO RD These procedures have been mandated by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation to ensure the safety of all students, drivers, and pedestrians, and to minimize traffic impact on nearby residents and businesses. All drivers must adhere to these procedures. Please make sure anyone taking your child to and from school is fully aware of these procedures – it is the responsibility of the entire RenArts community to keep arrival and departure time safe and sane. WHAT TO DO: Enter School Parking Lot at the North Gate. Traffic through the lot is ‘one-way’. Form two lines and PULL ALL THE WAY FORWARD to allow room for other cars behind you. Stop in the marked loading area and remain in the driver seat as Advisors monitoring traffic help scholars exit the car. Exit the lot as directed at the South Gate (right turn only). Follow all directions from Advisors monitoring traffic. Respect other parents, staff members, students and neighbors. Make certain that any caregiver who is driving your child is fully familiar with these procedures. Drop/pick-up students only as legally permitted on San Fernando Road north or south of the school. ALWAYS MAKE SURE STUDENTS CROSS THE STREET IN THE CROSSWALK WITH TRAFFIC LIGHTS. WHAT NOT TO DO: DON’T drop or pick-up students at any of the following: § Red bus zone in front of the school -- or yellow loading zones in front of businesses § At the curb along San Fernando Road in front of the school § In the RenArts driveway § In the crosswalk § In traffic lanes on San Fernando Road § Outside the marked loading area inside the lot DON’T stop or slow down in traffic lanes or crosswalks to call to your child. DON’T park in front of a closed RenArts gate DON’T honk your horn to call to RenArts staff or your child DON’T park in lot during drop-off and pick-up times. DON’T enter the neighboring business/residential lots at any time. DON’T block any residential or business driveways. DON’T allow your child to cross the street anywhere other than the crosswalk. DON’T be rude to other drivers, to neighbors, or to Advisors monitoring Traffic Safety!! All drivers are expected to treat traffic monitors and staff members with respect. Monitors are working to protect your child’s safety and the security of the school. We understand that traffic situations can be stressful, especially when drivers are in a hurry. Make sure you schedule adequate time for drop-off and pick-up to ensure that you can follow the required procedures courteously. IT IS CRITICAL THAT DROP-OFF/PICK-UP PROCEDURES BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES. Any parent, guardian or care-giver who violates the terms of these Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures jeopardizes the well-being of the entire school. Parents will be called in for a conference if their child is dropped off or picked up in a manner inconsistent with these guidelines. Per Department of Transportation agreement, there is no parking available for student cars. There are several things you can do to help keep school-generated traffic to a minimum: CARPOOL – Find other RenArts students in your neighborhood and establish a carpool. USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION – RenArts is conveniently located to several bus lines. ARRIVE EARLY – There is less congestion…”
Karen Bass
Karen Bass
Los Angeles City Mayor

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates

Share this petition

Petition created on June 7, 2025