Crossroads Loop News Today

Capitola leaders agreed to a test run of bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements targeting one of its more dangerous intersections.

According to the staff report, the project includes a reduction in lanes at Bay Avenue approaches to simplify driver navigation, creation of bulb outs — also known as sidewalk extensions — that seek to shorten pedestrian crossing distances along with additional striping and a wider buffer area for bicycles.

"I think it would be a good idea to work at the speed of safety instead of the speed of government and doing something like (this) is positive," said Councilmember Joe Clarke at the Dec. 14 meeting. Clarke is also a member of the ad hoc subcommittee steering the improvement effort. "As long as we can incorporate it with our overall plan, I think it's a great idea."

Is it more dangerous today to be a pedestrian than in years past? Or for a bicyclist (we’ll leave out e-bike riders, who have become the targets of pedestrian complaints due to riding on sidewalks at relatively high rates of speed)?" the Editorial Board writes. "Both groups would almost certainly testify, yes, it is."

Aurora Lopez pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning to charges of felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

About 50 of Debra Towne's family and friends attended a candlelight vigil Saturday to honor and remember the Capitola resident who was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Nov. 18.

Police have arrested a Soquel woman they suspect was involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 70-year-old Capitola pedestrian last month.

More than three dozen community members gathered Wednesday night to discuss dangerous local traffic conditions in the wake of the unsolved hit-and-run death of Debra Towne.

Capitola city leaders meet to find solutions on dangerous intersection

Police have raised the reward to $20,000 for information on a hit-and-run driver that took the life of a 70-year-old pedestrian Saturday night.