”
If you are coming from Costco and trying to get on the 101
freeway, you must turn right. But ever since they put a light at
the corner in the right turn lane, no one seems to know what to do?
Can you turn right there on a red? It is almost like you are half
way around the turn already
–so are you really going straight there? Some people stop and
wait for the right arrow. Some disregard the red light altogether.
And some proceed after stopping. It is a very congested area and
maybe the intent was to make this lane stop and only turn when the
light turns green. There is no sign s
tating
”
NO TURN ON RED.
”
And of course, it is close to the CHP offices, so I don’t want
to get a ticket.
”
Is this intersection missing something?
“If you are coming from Costco and trying to get on the 101 freeway, you must turn right. But ever since they put a light at the corner in the right turn lane, no one seems to know what to do? Can you turn right there on a red? It is almost like you are half way around the turn already–so are you really going straight there? Some people stop and wait for the right arrow. Some disregard the red light altogether. And some proceed after stopping. It is a very congested area and maybe the intent was to make this lane stop and only turn when the light turns green. There is no sign stating “NO TURN ON RED.” And of course, it is close to the CHP offices, so I don’t want to get a ticket.”
Dear To Turn Or Not To Turn, This is a tough situation – if you don’t do the right thing, the CHP is right there to catch you. So Red Phone called Don Dey, Gilroy City Transportation Engineer, to make sure this is understood and unwanted tickets are avoided.
“The rules of the road for that intersection are the same as the rules of the road for any intersection,” said Dey.
There are two red circular lights for the right turn lane and somebody must stop and then proceed when the way is clear just like you would with any other intersection. When there is a green arrow, you can proceed without stopping. In other words, you can turn right on red.
“It’s really no different than other intersections,” said Dey.
So, dear reader, there is no need to worry so much here. Just be a cautious driver and you will be fine.
Print to online, an adjustment for some
“I miss the paper every morning. The online info is good, but is there any way to read it like the hard copy? Is there a page that lays it out like a ‘front’ page?”
Dear Give Me My Paper, Okay, okay – you made us do it. We have to admit our front pages do look pretty good. Unfortunately, the online and hard-copy editions of our newspapers are fundamentally different in their organization and process. In particular, we have organized our Web site to give you a balanced mix of breaking news, multimedia features and commentary. This necessitates a distinctive look and functionality to make it work. That said, we think the Web site has its own aesthetic, powered by compelling photos and multimedia content. It can be difficult to adjust from the print edition to online, but we think you’ll grow to like it. Last, if you’re really craving a bit of the daily paper, you should sign up for our daily e-newsletter and breaking news alerts at gilroydispatch.com/subscriber. It’s free, easy and up-to-date.
Sidewalk repairs not done by all
“All but two neighbors have done repairs to their sidewalk and curbs. The two remaining homes are rentals. When the owners that completed sidewalk and curb repairs water their lawns I have a large pool of water sitting in front of my house on a daily basis. I have almost slipped several times because of the slimy state of the water. Can the city step in and correct at least the curb? Winter will be here soon and this will aggravate the problem. I push broom the water on a day to day basis. Who needs to get involved to correct the concern? Our neighborhood looks new again with repairs done and I am amazed at the new look. I have had my sidewalk and curb repairs done several years ago and feel that now I am stuck with this standing water problem.”
Dear Curb-Conscious, Slippery water on the curb is almost as annoying as the fact that it’s after a street makeover. Al Signorotti, an engineering technical inspector for the city, said he cannot give a specific answer without knowing the exact location.
“Generally speaking, grinding can be used only if there is a very slight elevation difference where the curb and gutter sections join,” Signorotti said.
If a city inspector believes a repair is necessary, the property owner is sent a letter notifying him of that need. Otherwise, the property owner must take the lead. Residents may call the engineering department at 846-0450 for more information.
