July 9, 2026
Eduardo Moreno Castaneda
Senior Transportation Planner
Local Assistance Program Manager
Division of Transportation Planning/Local Assistance
Caltrans District 8
RE: Removal of Existing HAWK System at Madison and Emerald Street Dear Mr. Moreno-Castaneda,
The Casa Blanca Community Action Group (CAG) is requesting the conversion of the Madison & Emerald Street HAWK System located in Riverside, CA, back to an all-way stop controlled intersection.
The reason for this request, is that several residents have been complaining since this was first installed years ago, that this system is confusing to use and results in numerous close calls both when driving a vehicle and/or walking across that intersection.
When this HAWK system grant was applied for, CAG was initially supportive. While the city explained the pedestrian safety benefits of the HAWK system, it became apparent right away that the HAWK operations were confusing to both drivers and pedestrians. Despite the City’s efforts to educate the community on HAWK system operation, the community still experiences indecisive driver behavior, which leads to many near-miss collisions. There should not have to be an injury to anyone either driving or walking at that intersection before taking action. We want this change to prevent injury.
To add complexity to the new operation the intersection has offset minor streets, which also plays a role in the confusion of when or where to stop.
Casa Blanca Community Action Group
__________________________________________________________________ PO BOX 4885 Riverside, CA 92503
Eduardo Moreno Castaneda
July 9, 2026
CAG would like to see the intersection returned to its original all-way stop controlled configuration, while still making effective use to the grant-funded signal poles. Conversion to all-way stop control, supplemented with overhead flashing red lights, would restore what the community needs most. Pedestrian safety would still be maintained with this approach, as vehicles would be required to stop at all times. This would also result in lower speeds on Madison. Finally, it would eliminate any confusion on which motorist has the right-of-way, since the community is accustomed to all-way stop controlled intersections.
We ask that you respectfully take the concerns of the Casa Blanca community residents and other drivers who commute at that intersection, and work with our city’s Public Works departments to approve our request and hope that this can be done at a reasonable financial cost.
Respectfully,
Cindy Mendoza-Collins
CAG Chairwoman
(951) 201-2276