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More safety measures needed on Fifth St. W.

Editor, Index-Tribune:

    

  When Beatriz Villanueva was killed on Fifth Street West, I was a teacher at Sonoma Valley High School and her daughter was one of my students. I complained then and I am complaining now. ??

  I served eight years as a trustee on the Sonoma Valley Unified School District and have sent all four of my children to Sassarini School.

  I believe I am an expert on Fifth Street West. It is dangerous. ?

  Putting a crosswalk in a dangerous intersection doesn’t make the intersection safe. As a trustee, I always supported crossing guards and encouraged the city to share in the cost as they provide safety for not only the students, but for all the residents. I routinely leave my home and enter Fifth Street from Andrieux to the west.

  I see cars running the four-way stop sign. My neighbor has been hit twice in her car at that very spot.

  I understand the reasons the city must defend its transportation plan. But let’s be real. The crosswalk at Safeway is not safe. People need to cross at the signal. Crossing in front of Sassarini should only be in the presence of crossing guards. And as for the Andrieux/Fifth Street four-way stop, it needs a flashing light – four-way stop signal. The charming red octagon is not enough.??

  I said all this following the tragic death of Beatriz Villanueva.

  It was true then, it is true now. ??

  Sandra Lowe

  Sonoma