REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 20, 2025
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing and Resolution Rescinding Pedestrian Midblock Crosswalk on Baker Boulevard in the Baker Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Conduct a public hearing to consider rescinding the midblock pedestrian crosswalk on Baker Boulevard in the Baker Area.
2. Adopt Resolution to:
a. Rescind those portions of Resolution No. 66-175, dated January 11, 1966, that established a pedestrian crosswalk across Baker Boulevard at a point 1370 feet west of State Highway 127 in the Baker Area; and
b. Direct the Road Commissioner to remove markings, symbols, or signs from such crosswalk and to perform such acts as are necessary to implement the terms of the Resolution.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). This item will minimize the cost for the Baker Boulevard and Park Avenue Improvement Project in the Baker area (Project), as repainting, restriping, and re-signage of the midblock crosswalk will no longer be necessary. The Project is funded with Measure “I” Local Street Program - North Desert Subarea funds. The Project includes pavement rehabilitation and traffic signal improvements on Baker Boulevard and overlaying with new asphalt concrete. Approval of this item will remove signage and striping costs from the Project (6650002140 TX1814).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On January 3, 1966, a request from the County was made to adopt and accept the existing speed zone and midblock pedestrian crosswalks on the section of Baker Boulevard. The section of the roadway was relinquished to the County by the State of California. These speed zones and crosswalks were established by the California Department of Transportation Division of Highways (Caltrans) and deemed functioning in a proper manner at that time.
Following a traffic engineering investigation initiated by Department of Public Works (Department) staff on February 24, 2025, it was found that the Arnes Royal Hawaiian Motel, which closed in 2009, has remained vacant and abandoned. The investigation aimed to assess the necessity of the midblock crosswalk due to changed conditions. It concluded that the crosswalk is no longer required for public convenience, considering the motel's closure and concerns for public safety. Therefore, the conditions because of which a crosswalk had been provided and maintained as provided in § 52.0124(a) no longer exist. Based upon the findings of the traffic engineering investigation the midblock crosswalk is no longer utilized as a pedestrian access point and no longer provides a meaningful or strategic connection between the existing pedestrian facilities. Furthermore, due to the 45 miles per hour speed limit, high truck traffic, the absence of ADA-compliant ramps, and no pedestrian flashing beacons, the removal of the midblock crosswalk is recommended. Therefore, in the interest of public safety, the Department recommends the removal of the midblock crosswalk.
County Code Section 52.0124(a)(1) allows the Board of Supervisors (Board), upon the basis of a traffic engineering study, that the conditions because of which a crosswalk has been provided and maintained as provided in 52.0124(a) no longer exist, the Board shall by resolution direct the Road Commissioner to remove such markings, symbols, or signs from such crosswalk.
The Department posted notice of the proposed removal at the crosswalk identified for removal on April 7, 2025, per California Vehicle Code 21950.5, with at least 30 days’ notice that the public may provide input and opportunity to be heard related to the scheduled midblock crosswalk removal. The public was also notified that any questions or input may be directed to the Department’s Traffic Division or that all interested persons may be present and heard in connection with the presentation of the proposed resolution.
Approval of this item will remove the pedestrian midblock crosswalk on Baker Boulevard in the Baker area.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on April 2, 2025; Finance (Kathleen Gonzalez, Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on April 30, 2025.; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on May 4, 2025.