After two consecutive years of successful state legislation and millions of dollars in new funding, pedestrian safety advocates are hoping for another big year in 2001. The landmark Safe Routes to School bill signed by Governor Davis is up for renewal as the two year pilot program expire will in December 2001. Caltrans is also preparing to solicit applications from local governments for the second round of Safe Routes to School grants due in April 2001. AB2522, the Pedestrian Safety Act of 2000, also contains several provisions that will become effective January 1st 2001, including a new law that requires at least 30 days of public notice before a crosswalk can be removed with a provision for citizens to request a public hearing. In addition, AB2522 requires at least one question on pedestrian rights on every drivers test and related curriculum in traffic schools, a new due care clause for drivers approaching pedestrians in crosswalks, prohibitions on vehicles blocking crosswalks except for right turns on red, and new fines for blocking or failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or on sidewalks in front of driveways.
Affordable housing is a critical environmental issue.
Precious farmland and open space are being paved over as people desperate for housing are forced to move farther and farther out just to put a roof over their family's head.