Is Speeding a Problem on Los Gatos Residential University Avenue?

A group of residents who live on University Avenue, by the Campo di Bocce courts, are complaining speeding has become a problem on the 25-mile-per-hour street.

This Monday evening, they appeared before the Los Gatos Town Council to get help with slowing down motorists, who they say are racing down the street with disregard for public safety.

"We wanted to propose if there's something that can be done with the speed of people on our road," said Los Gatos resident Steve Rigby, speaking during the public portion of the meeting. "It's 25 mph and very few of the cars on the road I believe are doing that."

Rigby, who lives right on the road, said he wasn't sure how to get the issue resolved, but suggested maybe town staff install a speed limit indicator alerting motorists how fast they're traveling.

He also suggested the installation of a stop sign or more police presence. "It's a pretty big problem for people who live on the street. When we get together and talk, what comes up first is these cars going by so fast."

Lois Morrison-Keffer, who also lives on University Avenue, echoed the concerns: "I've been very concerned about the fast cars. There are a number of families with small children on the avenue."

Morrison-Keffer said when she moved in 14 years ago, speeding wasn't an issue, but her next-door neighbors now have small children and are worried. "It really is a problem," she complained.

Jim McCabe, who been living on the busy thoroughfare for a year after buying the historic Fiesta House, built in the 1880s, for $1, expressed appreciation to town government staff for their assistance with moving into the area.

However, McCabe said he now needs help to figure out who controls the speed limit in residential streets. "We have freedom, but with freedom there's responsibility and with responsibility there's enforcement," he said. "If one of those falls apart after freedom, it's total chaos. We want to on University Avenue get something going ... [we need to] reduce it [the speed limit]. I know we can get it done."

Los Gatos Assistant Town Manager Pamela Jacobs said the residents were fortunate this week to have Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Chief Scott Seaman hear their concerns as well as Todd Capurso, director of the Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Department.

Los Gatos Vice Mayor Steven Leonardis said this week speeding on University Avenue concerns haven't been bought before the Council before. "This is the first that I've heard of it," he said. "What's great is that the chief of police was there ... and he gave the residents his card."

Leonardis said the area of concern stretches all the way to Highway 9. "People get away with what they can, unfortunately," he said about speeding. "To me, when I go down University Avenue, there are so many stop signs and so many things going on, that I slow down."