Councilman Ara Najarian’s office contacted the center about its training and provided information about Glendale’s pedestrian issues, Sabin said.
The center selected Glendale as one of the cities to participate in the training because of its pedestrian safety issues and the city’s commitment to fixing traffic safety problems, she said.
“Glendale has always been proactive in traffic safety,” Sabin said.
Pedestrian safety issues have been a major concern throughout the state for a few years because more people are walking and are using public transportation and are driving their cars less, she said.
California Walks, an organization that looks at pedestrian issues, will conduct the program with the center. The training program session, which is funded through a California Office of Traffic Safety grant, will incorporate Glendale-specific issues such as seniors and children being struck, said Wendy Alfsen, executive director of California Walks.
Training will be offered to select Glendale residents and community advocates, and will provide residents with information on how to set up safety priorities and who to talk to in the city, she said.
Alfsen is looking for 20 to 40 people, who have the ability to provide the information that they received in training to many Glendale residents, she said.
Residents will also be asked to identify and assess problems in neighborhoods, Alfsen said.
Verdugo Road is one problem area, Glendale resident Rebecca Sullivan said. There is speeding, and have been hit-and-run accidents and fatalities, she said.
“It’s definitely a problem,” she said.
Sullivan hopes to be selected to discuss the traffic issues on her street and pedestrian safety issues in the community, she said.
The California Department of Public Health in May will also conduct a three-day Pedestrian Safety Action Plan training session for city employees, said Barb Alberson, the department’s Injury Control Section chief.
At that training session, city officials will get details from Federal Highway Administration representatives on how to identify traffic issues and implement changes to improve pedestrian safety, she said.
“Glendale has a fairly high rate of pedestrian deaths,” Alberson said.
Anyone interested in participating should contact Alfsen at (510) 883-9725.
VERONICA ROCHA covers public safety and the courts. She may be reached at (818) 637-3232 or by e-mail at veronica.rocha@latimes.com.
