[Editor’s Essay: In the spirit of stoking interest in City Hall’s temporarily stalled attempt to win a grant to launch the Safe Routes to School program, community activist John Heyl sends along today’s exchange of letters, starting with an email from city Traffic Engineer Gabe Garcia at 5:20 this morning.]
Hi, everyone.
I wanted to let you know that the City Council (last night) authorized the filing of the Non-Infrastructure Safe Routes to Schools grant application for up to $500K.
Also, I'd like to ask if you would be willing to participate in a citywide SRTS Committee? The SRTS NI grant application will contain language that indicates such committee is in place, even if it is only a fledgling and I anticipate that it will grow and change in the future.
At this time, I’m thinking that such a committee would meet quarterly, initially. The purpose would be, as a recommending body, to discuss SRTS mission, vision, and priorities citywide.
I will most likely send out an invitation to a larger group, but I wanted to contact you personally.
Thank you very much for your help and contributions!!
Mr. Heyl’s response:
Gabe,
As I stated to the City Council, it will be my pleasure to continue to support Culver City's efforts to make our residential neighborhoods and schools safer from traffic. I would participate in a citywide Safe Routes to School committee and continue to provide input to the city as a resident living next to the quad campus.
I will encourage my neighbors to do the same.
Mr. Garcia may be contacted at Gabriel.Garcia@culvercity.org
Mr. Heyl may be contacted at john_heyl@sbcglobal.net