Speed Trap Warning!

OK, folks, there is some selfishness to my creating this blog (isn't that a given in the blogosphere anyway?), based on some of my concerns about what is happening with Carbon Canyon.

This post deals with a little issue on traffic enforcement.

First: eastbound drivers on Carbon Canyon Road (State Highway 142), please be aware that the 50mph zone from Old Carbon Canyon Road (at the base of the S-curve) to Chino Hills Parkway has evidently been changed! I had the pleasure this morning to be pulled over by a San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputy when I was going 55mph, only to be told that 1) I was going 64mph, according to the deputy (who then wrote on my warning [yes, warning!] that I was going 60, after I vehemently protested that I was going slower than that) and 2) the speed limit is now 45mph.

The problem is: CalTrans removed the 50mph sign while doing some general work a couple of weeks ago, but didn't replace the sign with a new one. The governing sign is way back near Western Hills Golf Course, at least a mile or mile-and-a-half further west.

Second: remember that, even though speeding and reckless driving through the canyon is pretty rampant on weekends and weekend evenings, patrols on the San Bernardino County/Chino Hills side only occur between about 9 and 10am and 4 to 4:30pm (more or less) on weekdays.

The lesson? If you're a regular user of Carbon Canyon Road (142), watch your speed only during those times, because there is just about no other time that a police presence is on that road.

I've had several conversations with Chino Hills city officials and the traffic sergeant at the Sheriff's station, reminding them of the several fatalities, many injuries, and regular run of property damage that has occurred, most at night or on weekends, to no avail (hence, this blog!) The stated reason is: not enough deputies and money to staff more patrols.

The fact is, however, that if there were a spate of robberies in the canyon and property was at stake, you can be sure the deafening roar of residents would get something done on that score.

Sadly, it will take a major accident and the serious injury or death of an innocent victim to get anything done. Why the city, county and state would take that risk is beyond me, but being reactive, instead of proactive, is the order of the day.

If anyone reading this feels compelled to respond, send something on. I will archive comments and save them for sharing with whoever in city government is interested. Who knows, maybe this blog could have an impact!