Woman's concern leads to street safety
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors agreed May 8 to place stop signs in both directions on Rockfield Street at North Tuscany Drive in Oak Park. The signs will be installed within several weeks. Orange flags will alert drivers to the new traffic measure, according to County Transportation Director Butch Britt.

The change is the result of Thea LaCouture's concern for the safety of children walking to and from Red Oak Elementary School and the adjacent Indian Springs Park. LaCouture, who lives off Rockfield, asked the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council for help at its April 24 meeting.

MAC members agreed to file a request with the Ventura County Board of Supervisors for a Rockfield-Tuscany stop sign.

"I don't know if anything can be done but I can't rest without at least trying," LaCouture said. "I'm scared. Someone is going to get killed. It's a matter of time."

LaCouture said she has seen drivers, including people in SUVs talking on cellphones, go through the crosswalks while students are still walking to the other side of the street. Last week three California Highway Patrol officers stationed on Rockfield issued 14 citations within 30 minutes.

"We just wanted to send a message to people that they need to be aware of what's going on," Officer Randy Hosking said.

Besides slowing traffic, a stop sign may discourage commuters from using Rockfield as a shortcut between Lindero Canyon and Kanan roads, MAC member Mike Green said.

Compounding the problem is that the western end of Rockfield curves, blocking visibility for eastbound drivers approaching the school and motorists exiting the school parking lot. Red Oak Elementary Principal Jon Duim attended the MAC meeting to voice support for measures that slow traffic in front of the school.

"With the curve of the road if you're coming out of the parking lot you can't see if traffic is coming fast at you," Duim said.

LaCouture contacted the office of Supervisor Linda Parks who encouraged her to approach the county for help. As a result of LaCouture's efforts, the county conducted a traffic study of Rockfield Street on April 19.

The study found that about 5,000 vehicles drive through Rockfield on an average workday, with peak hours matching rush hour and school dropoff and pickup times, according to Britt.

"I don't think people pay attention to those signs," Britt said.

Although Red Oak parents did not attend the April 24 MAC meeting, LaCouture and Duim said parents support their efforts to control traffic.

"Over the years we've had so many complaints from people about this area, I think they would welcome a stop sign," MAC member Deena Parry said.

The 38-acre Oak Canyon Park now includes a lagoon, waterfall, playgrounds, hiking and bike trails, and an archery range, pavilion and amphitheater. The park is accessible from Hollytree Drive just off Kanan Road. For more information, call (818) 865-9304.