News Conference & Enforcement Operation ” Crossing Guard and Pedestrian Safety; and, Return to School Safety Tips

What:
Traffic enforcement operation of motorist who fail to yield to Crossing Guard(s).

When:
Monday, September 12, 2011
Enforcement Operational Period: 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
PRESS CONFERENCE: 8:30 a.m.

Where:
Press Conference will be held in front of Winnetka Elementary School, located at 8240 Winnetka Ave, Winnetka  CA,  91405. Crossing Guard Enforcement Operation will be conducted at the corner of Winnetka Ave. and Lanark Street.

Who:
Councilman Dennis P. Zine, City of Los Angeles, 3rd District.
Commander James Cansler, Assistant Commanding Officer, Operations-Valley Bureau
Captain Ivan Minsal, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division
Los Angeles Unified School District Principle Annette Star, Winnetka Elementary School
Department of Transportation, Lieutenant Carl Jones, Special Traffic Service and Support Div.
Detective William Bustos, Valley Traffic Division Detectives (Spanish Media)
Sergeant Arturo Gomez, Community Traffic Services Unit, Valley Traffic Division(Coordinator)
Los Angeles School Police Department, Traffic Enforcement Officers, Valley Traffic Division, Traffic Enforcement Officers

Why:
As part of the “Start of School Strategic Plan-2011” scheduled for LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division during the 2011/2012 school year, Valley Traffic Division will be conducting a Crossing Guard and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation and Press Conference.

This operation will be conducted in an effort to promote crossing guard safety, and to improve pedestrian safety. While the crossing guard ensures the safety of the school children, traffic enforcement officers will ensure motorist yield the right of way to the crossing guard and students alike.  The message is simple, yield the right away to a crossing guard who is protecting our children or be cited.

“As children return to school, it is imperative that we help reduce traffic accidents and injuries around campuses through enforcement and education,” said Councilman Dennis P. Zine, member of the Public Safety Committee and former Motor Officer and Motorcycle Supervisor.  “Crossing guards provide a safe environment for our students; and in turn, parents need to drive responsibly, obey traffic laws, and help keep them out of harm’s way.”              

For additional information, please contact Sergeant Arturo Gomez at 805-559-9637 or Valley Traffic Division watch commander at 818-644-8010.