La Verne Bicycle Coaliltion

Candidate Survey Questions #3

Complete Streets:  La Verne adopted a Complete Streets Policy in 2017

Are you familiar with the Complete Streets Policy Vision and Goals and do you support them?   What are some specific areas of focus where you would like to see improvements to achieve the Vision and Goals outlined?

---

Mayoral Candidates

Don Kendrick
I am familiar, but not one of the liaison council members to this committee.  I will support the vision of the Active Transportation Committee of La Verne, which is the reason this Committee was put in place, making our city an example for others to follow.

Tim Hepburn
More defined areas for walking and biking.

Zach Gibson
I am familiar with the Complete Street Policy Vision and Goals and I do support them. Improvements in specific areas such as lane color designation and reflective lane designations to improve lane and traffic visibility, street sweeping that maintains designated lanes safe and free of debris, and sidewalk/pathway improvement and additions to away from traffic pathways for pedestrians to move through spaces would create road and walking environments that are safer and more inviting.

---

City Council Candidates

Jeremy Milici
I am familiar with this initiative and I feel as though many of the points made hold to be very true. I also believe the implications of this initiative will have a positive impact on our community. When it comes to transportation planning, the primary focus is almost always on motor vehicles. Yet, in reality this is not practical since it doesn’t address so many other factors of transportation. Additionally, the fact that Metro’s grants have shown positive impacts in other communities showcases the fact that La Verne should not be hesitant to carry out these projects, especially if receiving grant funds. I do support this initiative and believe many of its’ aspects to correlate with my personal ideas for our community.

Here are some primary areas I would focus on.
-Wheeler Avenue is limited in crosswalks. this makes it difficult to cross the street in various locations. There could also be more “pedestrian crossing” signs as well.  
-I would like to see an improvement in the sidewalks of Foothill, especially on the north side near D Street. 
-As I stated before, I believe La Verne should invest in a walkway which is both appealing in design and useful to pedestrians. A walkway which connects the Foothills to shopping centers near Foothill would be ideal as long as the costs are financially efficient.

Kenny Chang
Complete streets is a transportation policy and design approach that requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Complete Streets allow for safe travel by those walking, cycling, driving automobiles, riding public transportation, or delivering goods.

Therefore, besides the street, we should also consider the surrounding so it could adapt properly with the street for the purpose. 

Rich Gill
I did find the policy and have looked at it, I do like the fact that Baseline has been given bike lanes and signs to identify the lanes. I have not seen any “La Verne is Bicycle Friendly” posts.  I feel more can be done if the budget allows. I will also have to look at the ATP Cycle 2 Grant to see what projects have been scheduled for the upcoming year.

Rick Crosby
La Verne is new with vision and goals in the Complete Streets Policy.  I believe in observing what is working and needs to be improved. After a period of time then revisit the vision and goals to make sure that was the intention of implementation. 

Wally Emory
No I’m sorry to say so. However now that you have brought that issue to my attention. I will educate myself to that policy.

Wendy Lau
Yes, I have familiarity with the Complete Streets Policy Vision and Goals and I support them. We are seeing more and more people utilizing alternate means of getting from Point A to Point B other than the use of automobiles - whether it is walking, running, cycling, scooters, or public transportation - it is important to ensure that our roadways take into account these various forms of mobility, with things such as signage, accessible public transportation stops, or safe crossing opportunities. 

As we look at anticipated capital improvements related to our existing streets as well as introduction of new elements such as the Gold Line, we should seek to solicit feedback and input from various groups so that we can identify how we can best comply with the Complete Streets Policy Vision and Goals. 

Candidate Survey Question #2

Walkable / Bikeable cities:  Highly walkable / bikeable cities are generally viewed as more desirable, more sustainable, have a healthier quality of life, and have been shown to perform better economically.  

Can you describe your vision for how La Verne can become a more walkable / bikeable city?   What are the most urgent needs, and If elected, how will you ensure these are addressed?

---

Mayoral Candidate Responses

Don Kendrick
With the striping of the bike lanes in La Verne, traffic is slowing. Hallelujah! Many people walk in La Verne, and many people drive to La Verne to walk.  The more walkers and people on bikes, the better.  When I was growing up in La Verne, all kids rode bikes, we need to get back to that.  I would like to see more lawful bike riders, as many disobey laws knowingly, which is very unfortunate.  We all need to set examples for others to follow, in all aspects of our lives.

Tim Hepburn
We have been addressing this already with the bike lanes and curbing that has been installed in the past few months. I want to make sure with our new active transportation commission that we have open discussion on our future with all of our residents. 

Zach Gibson
This is complex because the city as a whole has to make a commitment to not only supporting alternative forms of transportation but actively participating in sustainable methods of transportation on a larger scale. While I am very pro-sustainability and would promote incentives that encourage alternative transportation and reducing carbon footprints, as an elected official my responsibility would ultimately be to reflect the needs and wants of the full population. I do believe, though, that the potential for education and outreach exists, and with the Complete Streets Policy along with the Active Transportation Committee, citizens who are involved in bringing these projects and discussions to our city will have the opportunity to bring more measures, plans, and grants before council and city government to be heard, therefore increasing discussion, education, and participation in alternative transportation.

---

City Council Candidate Responses

Jeremy Milici
First of all, I would like to say that I have spent my campaign going door to door and business to business, meeting with residents in order to better understand our city’s virtues and vices. This has helped me see how our local government can better serve our community. I also hold Civil Service positions in both the City of Azusa and Pomona, having helped carry out community orientated events and programs for some time now. From these experiences, I have learned that when local government includes the public and actively pursues the betterment of their individual lives our residents begin to view their city in a far more positive light.

I saw how much Cic La Via brought together the community of Pomona. It was just so awesome. Closing down entire streets and allowing our city’s families to ride all over the road created an atmosphere of fun and togetherness. No matter one’s race, creed or socioeconomic background, everyone enjoys hopping on a bike and going for a cruise. I want to see our residents have these experiences far more regularly! This is why I believe the closure of Sierra La Verne Country Club offers a unique opportunity for our city to partner with the County and State and invest in this land, making it into an astonishingly beautiful trail and botanical garden which can then connect to other various trails and walkways constructed though out our city.

Cities such as Claremont and Pasadena have made such investments and now see an overall improvement in both their local economies and overall appearance. Additionally, residents will be more willing to take part in physical activities, spend time together as a family and lower overall CO2 emission levels. We have so much untapped potential here in La Verne and must focus on pursuing projects that our residents can actually partake in on a daily basis. I believe making La Verne more walkable and bikeable is a prime example of these positive initiatives. 

Kenny Chang
The way, the city currently , is not a walkable or bikeable city. the foothill blvd and the old town La Verne has the potential to be re-designed into a walkable and bikeable area for more desirable and sustainable quality of life. additional parking area can also be added near hiking trail area to accommodate and encourage outdoor activities at the northern area of La Verne. 

Rich Gill
Thank you for this Question, I do understand that exercise is a valuable asset to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have noticed that bike lanes have been added to Baseline and other locations in the city this month.  In order to gain a better understanding of how best to enhance the city to Cyclers and Walkers a commission should be put together of both to get a better idea to move forward.

Rick Crosby
In the past two years the city has taken an active role in providing safety pathways for bicyclists. As the city council member I would want to make sure we have proper signage and police presence protecting our roadways for all commuters, either in vehicles or bicycles.

Wally Emory
Education courtesy from drivers and bikeriders is a must we must respect each others right of way. 

Wendy Lau
Some of the needs for a more walkable/bikeable/runnable city would be to ensure safe pathways for all. There are streets that are difficult to navigate in the early mornings and evenings due to lack of lighting and/or sidewalk areas that are uneven. It is important to identify these areas and work to make them as safe and user-friendly as possible. It is important for residents to know that due to staffing constraints, public works may not be aware of the conditions of sidewalks or access points. It is key to let people know how and who to get in touch with to identify these areas so that we can work to make them safer.

Candidate Survey Question #1

Background:  Please tell us about your experience walking or bicycling through La Verne as either transportation or recreation.

---

Mayoral Candidate Responses

Don Kendrick
Rode my bike to school in La Verne.  Some recreation riding on vacations.

Tim Hepburn
With the new bike lanes it has made it safer for all of us

Zach Gibson
I’ve been an avid biker in the city since I could ride. I bike for exercise mainly now, but as a kid it was my main method of transportation whether it was to go get comics and books or to get donuts or go to the park, and am starting to integrate riding back into my routine. I do walk a good amount, but with my bad knees, biking is a better option for me personally. For exercise, I usually bike a specific route - my house to Puddingstone, up to San Dimas Canyon Road, and back.

---

City Council Candidate Responses

Jeremy Milici
This is actually a great question for myself. I moved here to La Verne at the age of 4 and let me tell you, I’ve been riding ever since then. I would ride to school everyday while I attended Romona and Bonita High. I was and still am heavily into BMX, spending a great deal of time at our local skatepark along with riding all of our local trails. Til this day I find Marshall Canyon extremely fun, especially if you begin your ride all the way up at Marshall Canyon Golf Course and finish down by foothill. Then after leaving the dirt trail, I go ahead and take wheeler all the way down to puddingstone, thus transferring onto those dirt trails. I also helped build the “emerald dirt jumps” which are hidden to the side of one of the sections of marshall canyon (sort of near Ridgeview Dr. off of Esperanza). 

Kenny Chang
I have not bike around the city of La verne, but I have hike every other weekend for recreation purposes. I have walked at old town La Verne, after dining around the area.

Rich Gill
As a young teen I walked and rode my Bicycle to Ramona Intermediate in the 70’s, I continued using this transportation until I was able to Drive. Today when I walk I normally trek to the San Dimas Canyon Park as it is close to me. My 3 Back surgeries received during my military career has made bike riding uncomfortable.

Rick Crosby
My wife and I, with our two kids, ride bikes around La Verne all the time. we go to the movies, out to dinner or get yogurt.  We also like to take our dogs on walks through Marshall Canyon Trail.

Wally Emory
My wife Pamela walk our dog (Molly) around our neighborhood. In my younger years I rode my road bike often ant so much ano ways.

Wendy Lau
I take my dog for walks in the city and like to take runs when I can. I love the views and I love seeing people out and about.

The Multi-Modal Arrow Corridor project is a project to develop an East / West route across the cities of Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona and Claremont. The project has participants from all five cities, as well as regional organizations as well.

As part of the project, there will be a “Roll to the Stroll” go-human event at the Glendora village, from 5-9 p.m. At the event, you will be able to check out e-bikes, a temporary separated bikeway, street bulb-outs for pedestrians and a parklet. You’ll also be able to talk to representatives from the project, provide input/recommendations, and win prizes.

The Multimodal Regional Corridor Plan is a project to develop an East / West corridor across the cities of Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona and Claremont that is appropriate for all users. The project builds on the First / Last Mile Plan developed and approved by Metro on 6/19. (Goldline 2B First Mile / Last Mile Plan). While the project includes Arrow Highway in the title, it does not assume Arrow Highway will become the corridor, rather it looks at the surrounding area and seeks to find the best option to create an East / West Route. The project is being led by Alta Planning & Design and is sponsored by the cities of Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Claremont as well as the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
The Multimodal Regional Corridor Plan project has released a public website for the project. On the website, you can gain an overview of the project, complete an online survey, and provide input into an interactive map identifying destinations, desired routes, and barriers to walking and bicycling.
Representatives from the project will also be at several events across La Verne answering questions and soliciting input. They are currently scheduled to be at the following:
- Oct. 19 (10:00 am) 39th Annual Children’s Halloween Parade
- Nov. 23 (10 am-4pm) Crusin’ La Verne Holiday Car Show
- Dec. 7 (4 pm - 8 pm) Old Town Holiday Stroll

You are highly encouraged to participate and provide input so it can be understood and considered in the final recommendations.

In June a Community Advisory Committee was formed to provide input and support the development of a new plan to create an East/West multi-modal route across five cities: Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, and Claremont. The effort is sponsored by Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and builds upon and incorporates the work from the “First Mile / Last Mile” plan recently developed by Metro. While the title includes “Arrow”, the plan will look at multiple alternatives to create the best East/West Route.
La Verne participants on the committee include representatives from city staff, University of La Verne, Damien High School, Bonita Unified School District, and the La Verne Bicycle Coalition. Additionally, each of the other cities is represented as well as the Fairplex and Cal Poly Pomona. The project timeline is aggressive and will include public workshops, online tools for input and a “Go Human” event to be held in San Dimas, modeling how the streets can be improved for all users. The target date for plan adoption is March 2020.
As Gold Line construction ramps up, so does the attention to creating better options for mobility across the region. La Verne is well positioned to participate and benefit from these efforts.

Wednesday, June 26, LVBC organized another Marshall Canyon Trail clean-up day, cleaning and improving the trail from Wheeler Avenue to Baseline. The focus was on creating a clear path free of hazards on the path between Wheeler and Baseline and gave the ramps/underpass below Foothill a good cleaning. With a good turnout, the crew was able to remove bags of debris, glass, nails, and litter leaving the path much safer and comfortable.
The next trail clean-up day is planned for September, more to come as the date draws closer.

La Verne continues to gain regional visibility as it ramps up efforts to become more bike and pedestrian friendly.  In the recent version of the SGV Connect podcast, La Verne City Council member Muir Davis is interviewed about the pending improvements, culture, future direction for active transportation in La Verne. The interview begins at approximately 25 minutes. However, the preceding interview is with the Metro representatives overseeing the first mile / last mile planning, which also will directly create improvement in La Verne.

https://la.streetsblog.org/2019/06/21/sgv-connect-43-first-milelast-mile-planning-for-the-gold-line-and-new-bike-infrastructure-in-la-verne/?fbclid=IwAR10uLTM61h7KmxqcsCbE0mJxlpKBfkQwBSUWpGuYznc4LOjgecRXXi8XU0

Through the last year, a group of consultants commissioned by the Gold Line Authority has been developing a “First Mile / Last Mile” plan for the areas surrounding the new Gold Line Stations. The intent is to develop plans and options that will encourage people to travel to/from the Gold Line stations comfortably, reducing the need for a vehicle. This reflects a much more evolved approach as some previous stations have opened without supporting plans and the cities are struggling to retrofit/encourage bicycling & pedestrian access to the stations.

Many members of the community (including La Verne Bicycle Coalition) provided input and review into the plan as it was developed. The final product provides a glimpse into how the Gold Line can dramatically change the City, including significant improvement for walking/biking. Some of the components are already in progress through the Bicycle Gap Closure Project (e.g. Bonita), and others will be integrated into the future Active Transportation Plan currently being developed by the City, projects and possible grants. The plan can be found here, (the La Verne section begins on Page 97): Gold Line Extension First Mile / Last Mile

La Verne continues to make progress as a City committed to active transportation. Several years ago the city conducted its first Active Transportation Workshop and subsequently formed an informal Active Transportation Advisory Group. In 2017, the city was one of the first in the region to adopt a Complete Streets Policy. In 2019, the city will implement approximately 14 miles of new bike lanes & pedestrian improvements as a result of a grant. Looking forward, the Gold Line will further encourage an environment that better balances mobility options.

On June 17, the city made active transportation a priority by approving the establishment of a new Active Transportation Committee. The committee will include two city staff (Public Works and LVPD), two City Council members, and five community members. Several members of the existing “advisory group” will be transitioned into the new committee (to ensure continuity), and the city will then seek interested members of the community to fill the balance of the positions.

La Verne has a long history of lagging other cities in the region for prioritizing active transportation. However, just as the region is changing La Verne is changing as well, possibly even faster. Step by step La Verne is moving to a leadership role within the region and forming one of the only dedicated active transportation committees in the region to assist with this change is another important step forward.

A summary of the Active Transportation scope and expectation can be found here: Active Transportation Committee Duties, Structure, and Membership