Welcome to the latest edition of the Crimson Crusader’s column.
File your question, comment or complaint with the Red Phone by
calling 770-4106 ext. 206 or e-mailing
re******@*************es.com.
SPEED BUMPS
I am calling in reference to the large black speed bumps that were recently installed on Monterey Road at Third Street. I know the intent was to slow down traffic to the speed limit of 25 miles per hour through town, but I am finding that a lot of cars are coming to a complete stop before driving over the bump. I believe this is causing a hazard, as drivers are not expecting to encounter a stop where there is no traffic light or stop sign. I think cars can go over the bump at 25 miles per hour safely, and there is no need to stop at all.
RED PHONE
The Crimson Crusader observed this intersection in person on the morning of May 24, and witnessed many drivers NEARLY coming to a complete stop before crossing the bump and many others that slowed only slightly before negotiating the rubber wedge. It was amusing watching the different techniques used by the drivers: left wheels only, right wheels only, and some drivers straddled the bump in hopes of missing it completely.
Deciding to experience this for myself, I drove my 94 GMC pickup over the bump at 25 miles per hour and got quite a rough awakening. I was glad not to have had a hot cup of coffee anywhere near me as the stiff suspension took very little shock out of the ride. Trying to be fair in my assessment, I conducted the same experiment later in the day while riding in a 2005 Chevy Uplander. This made a world of difference in the comfort level. While I can’t say it was smooth as glass, it was definitely preferable to my old rig’s ride.
Even though this experiment really didn’t solve anything for us, maybe we can come away with some insight about why drivers do what they do. Caller, perhaps you are comfortable crossing the bump at 25 miles per hour, but we need to take into consideration all the different makes and models of cars out there and their different suspensions, handling characteristics and ground clearances. Some lowered cars could actually lose their front air dams if the driver is not careful.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and hopefully we can all treat this situation in the same way we should treat all traffic scenarios … expect the unexpected and always be ready to react accordingly.
SIGN, SIGN, EVERYWHERE A SIGN
While driving through downtown Morgan Hill, I noticed that the Sinaloa Cafe, which, by the way, is one of my favorite eating establishments, has a large temporary sign displayed above their door. This sign is detracting from the inviting look that Morgan Hill is trying to establish in the downtown area. Are there any rules or regulations in this town concerning how long a temporary sign is allowed to be displayed before it needs to be replaced by a permanent one?
RED PHONE
In the time since you let us know about this dilemma, the Sinaloa Cafe has put up their permanent sign. This does not negate your question, however, so the Crimson Crusader delved in to get some answers. I talked with Jim Rowe from the Morgan Hill planning division and community development office, and he informed me that according to our municipal codes, business owners have 60 days to display approved temporary signage before replacement with a permanent sign becomes necessary.
The size of the temporary sign is also regulated. The formula to determine the size is to multiply the lineal footage of storefront by 1.5. This gives you the allowed size of the sign in square feet. For example, if the storefront measures 40 feet, that dimension would translate to 60 square feet.
No one said keeping a good-looking downtown area was going to be easy.
