News

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

New California Laws Affecting Education in 2008

Several new laws were passed by the California Legislature that affect public education in California. The laws took effect January 1, 2008.

Assembly Bill (AB) 321 allows cities or counties to lower the traffic speed limit from 25 to 15 miles per hour in a safety zone near a school.

According to Sgt. Greg Nordyke, traffic supervisor for the city of Goleta and author of this legislation, Goleta adopted a resolution that makes this law enforceable. It is applicable to residential area roadways, as defined by the California Vehicle Code, near two schools in the Santa Barbara High School District: Dos Pueblos High School and Goleta Valley Junior High. Specifically, the law reduced the speed on Alameda Avenue, from Cathedral Oaks to Del Norte Drive. In the case of Goleta Valley Junior High, the speed has been reduced to 15 miles per hour 500 feet both east and west of the property line.

Sgt. Nordyke says that new speed limit signs have been posted and the law is being enforced.

AB 57 Eliminates the sunset date for the “Safe Routes to School” program for the construction of sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and traffic calming projects designed to keep children safe and more healthy.