By Jondi Gumz
After hearing the public urge swift safety measures for a Bay Avenue intersection where Debra Towne, 70, was fatally struck by a vehicle while in the crosswalk, the Capitola City Council reached consensus to direct city staff to order flashing stop signs, restripe the crosswalk and put reflective tape on light poles in that location.
On Dec. 14, no vote was taken, but it was clear council members were in favor of doing something to make the area safer for people on foot, sooner rather than later, as one said.
Kylie Roesner, Debby Towne’s niece, is overcome by emotion at the vigil. Debby’s son Andy Towne is at left, holding a candle, next to Debby’s daughter Adrienne West, with her husband Jeff West and twins Gavin and Kylie. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz
This area has been dangerous for people on foot for 20 years, according to Adrienne West, Debra Towne’s daughter.
The Bay Avenue Senior Apartments is close by, so many residents in the area are elderly.
City Public Works Director Jessica Kahn, who joined the staff in 2022, acknowledged the concerns about pedestrian safety and said the city has been exploring options.
The area is in the city right-of-way, she said.
In September, after getting a report on options, the council formed an ad hoc committee consisting of Joe Clarke and Alex Pedersen, to gather input from businesses and the public.
In November, the city asked consultant Kimley-Horn, which had been asked to investigate long-term solutions for the Bay Avenue and Hill Street intersection, to also develop a short-term “quick build” project.
That work hadn’t progressed to point of action before Towne was struck by a hit and run driver.
An arrest has been made, and Aurora Lopez, 58, of Soquel, has pleaded not guilty.
When Kahn said four flashing stop signs similar to those near the police headquarters on Capitola Avenue would cost about $10,000, Clarke spoke in favor of “moving at the speed of safety instead of the speed of government.”
Pedersen also was eager to move forward, attempting to make a motion before public comment.
Janet Edwards, who uses a wheelchair, asked the council to get feedback from someone who is blind.
She shared her experience trying the locate the city’s upper parking lot, which is up a steep hill behind City Hall. She said she did not know about the elevator until a city staffer told her.
“There’s no sign that says ‘Go this way,’” she said. “You need people who see things you don’t see.”
Council member Kristin Brown suggested reaching out to the Regional Transportation Commission’s elderly and disabled advisory committee.
Kahn’s timeline called for outreach in late December/early January to the Bay Senior Apartments and nearby businesses on a “quick build” project, refining the design based on feedback, then presenting it to the council Jan. 25 or Feb. 8, with construction scheduled for spring, which begins March 19.
West, whose family is grieving, did not want to wait that long.
She asked for this intersection to get the same flashing stop signs that have been installed by the police headquarters. She pointed out the crosswalk was faded and needs repainting.
“Why are you waiting?” she asked.
Another resident suggested police officers be assigned to that location.
The city has $50,000 left from the roundabout design project that is going into the Bay Avenue/Hill Street safety study.
The long-term study is to take place in winter and spring 2024 with findings to be presented in the summer.
For more, read Debby Towne: A Tragic Loss