COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: November 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Removal of No Stopping Zones on Western Avenue, Carmen Lane, And Sonya Lane and Establishment of a Passenger Loading Zone on Western Avenue
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the removal of existing No Stopping Zones on Western Avenue, Carmen Lane, and Sonya Lane, and the establishment of a Passenger Loading Zone on Western Avenue adjacent to Jimenez Elementary School. These changes, along with additional roadway modifications, including the installation of a protected two-way cycle track and reconfiguration of on -street parking, are intended to better reflect current roadway use, improve school -related pick -up and drop -off operations, and enhance safety for both students and cyclists.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality A ct State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving the removal of existing No Stopping Zones on Western Avenue, Carmen Lane, and Sonya Lane; and establishing a Passenger Loading Zone on Western Avenue, adjacent to Jimenez Elementary School, pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 21458.
BACKGROUND:
Jimenez Elementary School staff, parents, and members of the cycling community have expressed concerns regarding limited pick-up/drop-off space, limited parking, and cyclist safety along Western Avenue, Carmen Lane, and Sonya Lane. These roadways currently contain Class II bike lanes and “No Stopping” zones on both sides of the roadway, which limit access and flexibility for school-related activities.
To address community concerns, the City hosted a town hall meeting on May 19, 2025, at Jimenez Elementary School. Three design options were presented to attendees, including school staff, parent s, and local cyclists. Option 1 proposed no modifications.
Option 2 included a protected cycle track adjacent to the school, with on -street parking on the opposite side of the roadway. Option 3 reversed this configuration, placing on - street parking adjacent to the school and the protected cycle track on the opposite side.
2 By a show of hands, Option 3 emerged as the preferred alternative, supported by the majority of attendees and both assistant principals. This option includes removal of the existing bike lanes, reconfiguration of curb use, and construction of a protected two -way cycle track. A portion of the new on -street parking adjacent to the school would be designated as a Passenger Loading Zone (see Attachment A).
This proposed configuration deviates from the City’s adopted Active Transportation Plan (ATP) dated November 2020. The current ATP identifies a Class I Shared Use Path along Western Avenue and no modifications to the existing Class II Bike Lanes on Carmen Lane and Sonya Lane. In contrast, th is project proposes Class IV Separated Bikeways along Western Avenue, Carmen Lane, and Sonya Lane.
Public Works staff finds this deviation justified, as the proposed improvements better reflect existing roadway conditions and current use patterns, particularly in the vicinity of Jimenez Elementary School.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed changes aim to improve school -related circula tion and safety for both pedestrians and cyclists. These modifications include:
Remove existing No Stopping Zones along Western Avenue, Carmen Lane, and Sonya Lane, and introduce on -street parking adjacent to Jimenez Elementary School and Aquistapace Park.
Establish a Passenger Loading Zone on the west side of Western Avenue, directly adjacent to Jimenez Elementary School.
Install a protected two -way cycle track on Western Avenue, Carmen Lane, and Sonya Lane, opposite the school and park frontages.
The Passenger Loading Zone is proposed to operate during school hours only to minimize impacts on residents while supporting efficient and safe student drop -off and pick -up activity.
Per Section 22507 (a) of the California Vehicle Code, “Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit or restrict the stopping, parking, or standing of vehicles, including, but not limited to, vehicles that are six feet or more in height (including any load thereon) within 100 feet of any intersection, on certain stre et or highways, or portions thereof, during all or certain hours of the day.”
The Traffic Committee has reviewed the request and recommends the proposed Passenger Loading Zone on Western Avenue. The City Council has the authority to restrict parking within certain areas of the City.
3 Alternative(s)
The City Council may approve the proposed modifications as recommended, modify specific elements of the proposal, or decline to implement the changes at this time.
Fiscal Considerations
Sufficient funds for miscellaneous roadway projects, including this one, have been budgeted in FY 2025/2026 under the account titled “Various Street Improvements” (7200- FD463-CC1120-SC7425). The estimated total cost to implement this project, including construction, contingency, inspection, and staff time, is $75,000.
Impact on the Community
The proposed changes are expected to improve student safety and drop -off efficiency near Jimenez Elementary School. The project will enhance bicycle accommodation through the installation of protected infrastructure and restore limited on-street parking for residents and school visitors. Approximately thirty (30) parking spaces will be affected by the new Passenger Loading Zone. The cycle track will replace the previously striped bike lanes and provide greater separation from traffic, contributing to an overall safer and more organized roadway environment.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Proposed Passenger Loading Zones Neighborhood North of Pioneer Valley High School C. Cross-sectional View
D. Design Information for Two-Way Class IV Bikeway