Happy Holidays everyone, 

It was great to see so many familiar faces at the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Reindeer Run! Events like these remind us why this community is so special.  

While most of us are busy spreading joy, unfortunately, some people have other plans. Package thefts and other crimes tend to spike this time of year, if you see something suspicious, let us know—we’re here to help stop the Grinches in their tracks! Check out our Holiday Safety Tips with Lobo on our social media accounts or below in this newsletter.
 
We know the holidays are a time for fun and celebration, but if your plans include alcohol, please be smart about it. Use a designated driver, call an Uber or Lyft, or make other safe arrangements. We’ll have extra patrols out this season to help ensure everyone gets home safely. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe for everyone. 

Speaking of keeping our roads safe – Starting January 1, 2025, ACPD will enforce California's new Daylighting Law (AB 413), which prohibits parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk to improve intersection safety for pedestrians and drivers. Written warnings began on December 17, 2024, with citations issued starting January 1, 2025. Fines will start at $40. This statewide law enhances visibility at crosswalks by keeping areas clear of parked vehicles, reducing risks for pedestrians and improving drivers’ ability to see those crossing. For full details about AB 413, please see the article below. 

We’re working on launching a Special Persons Registry, a new program designed to help our first responders better assist individuals with special needs. It’s one more way to help us in our commitment to serving everyone in our community. Stay tuned for updates! 

California’s New Daylighting Law
(AB 413)

Beginning January 1, 2025, remember to leave at least 20 feet (or one large car length) between a marked or unmarked crosswalk and your vehicle, so approaching vehicles can see pedestrians and bicycles.

Written warnings began on December 17, 2024, with citations issued starting January 1, 2025. Fines will start at $40.

Starting on January 1, 2025, it will be illegal in California to park within 20 feet of the approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if the approach does not have any red curbs painted. California Assembly Bill 413 was signed into law in October 2023 and replicates the law in other states that similarly require people not to park right next to any crosswalk.

Specifically, the law:

• Creates a new section of the Vehicle Code, CVC 22500(n), which prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension anywhere in California.
• On a two-way street, only the space on the right-side approaching a crosswalk as one is driving is affected. However, on a one-way street, both the left and the right curb areas 20 feet from the crosswalk are no parking zones.
• Allows local jurisdictions to paint zones that are longer or shorter than 20 feet. When you see a red curb or parking prohibition sign next to a crosswalk just follow that distance. If there is no paint or signs, the 20 feet distance applies. 20 feet is about the length of a standard parking space or one large car-length.

What is daylighting?

Daylighting is the simple concept that safety is improved by removing parked cars next to crosswalks. By keeping the area next to crosswalks clear of parked vehicle obstructions, people walking and people driving or riding on the street can see each other better. Beginning January 1, 2025, remember to leave at least 20 feet (or one large car length) between a marked or unmarked crosswalk and your vehicle, so approaching vehicles can see pedestrians and bicycles.

How does it work?

Daylighting increases the visual field of both pedestrians crossing the street, and drivers pulling up to an intersection. The diagram above shows how much easier the extra space makes it to see the curbs and the entire crosswalk.

For pedestrians, daylighting means that they don’t have to venture into the intersection and peek around parked cars to see if they have a clear path to cross. This is especially important for children, who are less visible at intersections.

At the same time, drivers get a clearer view of the intersection and can easily see if someone is waiting to cross from well in advance.

Holiday Safety Tips with Lobo

This Holiday Season make sure you take all the necessary precautions to stay safe! 

This is a Porch Pirate's favorite time of year! Here are some tips to better protect you and your deliveries:

• If possible, schedule deliveries for a time you or a family member will be home
• Maintain a well-lit porch for increased visibility
• Consider installed doorbell or security cameras for surveillance of front porch area
• Coordinate pick-ups with trusted friends or neighbors to not allow for packages to be sitting all day

Be aware while parking in shopping centers! Unattended vehicles during busy holiday times are often targeted during the holiday season. 

• Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle
• Keep anything of value out of sight
• Ensure vehicle is locked whenever going into a store
• Lock vehicle overnight even at home
• Remove important or identifying documents for center console and glove box
• Do not keep large sums of money in vehicle

The latest news...

December 2, 2024
Armed robbery at the AT&T store on Napa Junction

November 27, 2024
Two arrested with guns, suspected drugs and stolen vehicle

Click on Images Below to View the "Safer" Series of Tips. Hard Copies are Available at the Police Department.