Leona Heights Neighborhood News

by Gordon Laverty

Burglars beware! A reenergized Leona Heights neighborhood watch has its eyes open for you. Many new folks have moved into our area over the past year, so residents have strengthened their watchfulness to protect each other. Clusters of homes that we call "cells" have been redelineated on maps to help with the reorganization, so a tighter rein on vehicles and potential intruders can be maintained. New cell leaders are being recruited to keep their people alert and active. Leona Heights Improvement Association continues to a focus on the Russell Fire Trail to blunt efforts to develop this portion of the Leona Green Belt. Association Board members are maintaining contact with city planners to be sure planners understand the past history of this steep, undevelopable area. During recent wet weather, more Rusting onramp-to-Highway 580 accidents have occurred despite Caltrans multiple-arrow signs warning of the upcoming sharp curve. Daily users of the intersection of Rusting and Mountain Boulevard want speed reduction on the downhill Mountain Boulevard approach to the onramp. Our Association espouses reducing the present 35-mph limit to 25 mph, consistent with other similar road reaches that have driveway access. Adding road surface ripples to alert drivers would also help reduce vehicle speed. A third letter in this regard has been sent to Caltrans and the city urging improved policing for speeders in this reach.