Letters to the Editor
Editor:
When I walk in a neighborhood I prefer to walk on sidewalks, not the driving pavement. That’s why I was delighted to see the installation of the “scramble” lighting system installed on Leisure World’s main and only traffic signaled intersection.
The City of Long Beach installed the system some 70 years ago. It seemed to work pretty well. It shortens, by about one-third, the time and steps taken to cross both streets by allowing a diagonal, kittycorner route when all vehicular traffic is stopped, a safer passage with less time and steps spent on the street.
Unfortunately, I was reprimanded when using the system by a honking Security car. I wonder why GRF has decided to install a system which tends to back up traffic in all directions during pedestrian crossings and not allow it to be used. Yes, it appears that lines are getting longer at red lights during the lengthy pedestrian periods. Oh well, I guess if it thinks I should spend more time on the street, maybe I will take that 50% more time in vehicular paths.
I realize some pedestrian traffic may not be able to make the diagonal crossing during the given time period, but the pedestrian should be able to judge his or her safety in that case and take the two-leg route at successive pedestrian time slots. But, I prefer to diagonalize with about 10 seconds to spare. Paul Kartinen Mutual 1 Editor’s Note: The safety upgrade at St. Andrews Drive and Golden Rain Road needs a new traffic controller to manage the new crossing sequences. Diagonal crossing is not allowed at the light. The upgrade is intended to increase safety at the intersection, and staying in marked crossings is the safest way to navigate the intersection. Editor: It is with significant concern that I, as a Leisure World shareholder, am asking for an outside review of the traffic signal upgrade project: from Request for Proposals (RFP) to contract awarding and project oversight.
As a chief administrative officer of a corporation, I have watched with some concern the process and outcome of this project to date. At the GRF town hall meeting earlier this year, I voiced concern after the first error, which resulted in an additional $37k in expense due to what can only be described as a contracting error and oversight (the wrong size conduit).
With the rising cost of operations within Leisure World, it is imperative that the mindset, and each project (from the GRF management support level), be looked at with the thought in mind: if this was your credit card, what would I do?
What is done is done. However, LW shareholders are once again expending additional funds that should have been anticipated and more than likely could have been prevented or minimized had the project been established and bid accurately.
And to suggest that the cost per shareholder is minimal is also not a response. Again, it may be insignificant amounts for the entire community as to cost; however, with all the expenses hitting currently, this was an avoidable additional cost to the community. No matter what is said, or what excuse is used, to have to add a new brain to complete the proper operation of the signaling at this juncture is a failure of the project. Randall Ely Mutual 3 Editor’s Note: There was no error or oversight related to the original change order request to replace conduit. There was no way of ascertaining what lay beneath the asphalt until the road was excavated. It was decided that digging up the road ahead of the project could have been costlier especially if it turned out that no project modifications were needed. A new traffic controller was not included in the original project because the existing unit should have been able to handle the additional phases. Editor: Why isn’t GRF enforcing the rule against saving seats in the Amphitheater? After arriving at the Neil Diamond concert 45 minutes early, we found large swaths of the most desirable seats covered by blankets and cushions but left unattended. Thus, it was a bitter pill to hear (from our spot too high in the bleachers) the smug announcement, “Saving seats is not allowed.” What?
Unless something changes, our plan for next season will be: Step 1: Arrive at the Amphitheater immediately after lunch on concert day.
Step 2: Spread a big blanket and cushions over as many prime seats as they will reach.
Step 3: Go home and relax. Step 4: Return with friends at 7:25 ready to enjoy our splendid view of the concert. Rachael Lehmberg Mutual 2 Editor's note: The GRF Member Services Committee will reconsider the rule regarding the saving of seats ahead of next year's Amphitheater season. In year's past, Security staff patrolled the Amphitheater to curtail saving seats, but it was time consuming and led to disputes and possible liability issues related the handling of blankets and other property that belonged to residents.
