Darleene Barrientos
The second phase of the city's pedestrian safety campaign will
include increased education in local schools if the City Council on
Tuesday approves an additional $26,000 for programs and reflective
clothing to be given out at city functions.
The second phase is being introduced as the first phase is being
completed. That phase included the development of the character
Walkin' Willie and the slogan "Wait, Watch and Walk."
Walkin' Willie is the star of the city's public service
announcements, and is featured on posters mounted on the city's
refuse trucks and Glendale Beeline buses. The character is also
featured in coloring books that are being handed out to children.
The second phase will coordinate with the Glendale Unified School
District and the Parks and Recreation department to bring the traffic
safety group Safe Moves to the city's children and senior citizens.
Fanny packs emblazoned with a reflective Walkin' Willie and the
pedestrian safety slogan would also be given out at city functions
throughout the year.
"We wanted to create something that would be beneficial to people
who do a lot of walking," city spokesman Ritch Wells said. "We came
up with idea of putting our logo on fanny packs. We figure especially
the seniors would like those. It'll illuminate during sunset and
evening hours."
The campaign was launched to better educate drivers and
pedestrians throughout the city in the wake of dozens pedestrian
deaths over the past several years. Six pedestrians were killed last
year, including one near the Glendale-La Crescenta border.
This year, Hasmik Tovmasyan, 68, was struck by a car late Jan. 30
as she walked in an unlit and unmarked crosswalk at Orange Grove
Avenue and Chevy Chase Drive. Tovmasyan died later at County-USC
Medical Center; the accident investigation is ongoing.
City Councilman Rafi Manoukian said he considers pedestrian safety
to be an important issue.
"Whenever you're talking about safety, it's better to be proactive
than reactive," he said.
