Traffic Safety Measures Around Arroyo Vista Elementary School
Published on March 30, 2026
March 30, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Colby, Public Affairs Manager
Phone: (626) 403-7215
Email: jcolby@southpasadenaca.gov
Subject: Update of Traffic Safety Measures Around Arroyo Vista Elementary School
South Pasadena, Calif. – Since the start of the 2025-26 school year, the City has been working proactively with residents and South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) to strengthen traffic safety in the school zone surrounding Arroyo Vista Elementary School. Beginning with a series of crosswalk, signage, and loading zone improvements completed in July 2025, the City has maintained ongoing coordination with SPUSD and continues to make enhancements throughout the school year.
Since summer 2025, the City has made the following improvements:
Upgraded existing crosswalks to high visibility and repainted red curbs to the following intersections:
Completed July 2025
El Centro St/Cawston St
El Centro St/Pasadena Ave
Indiana Ave/El Centro St
Hawthorne Ave/ Cawston St
Repainted and extended loading zone area by 100 ft:
Completed July 2025
El Centro St from Cawston St to Pasadena Ave
Installed Yield to Pedestrians signs and added shark teeth (pavement markings at intersections) to street segments:
Completed July 2025
Pasadena Ave/El Centro St (West/Eastbound direction) in front of school
Pasadena Ave/El Centro St (North/Southbound direction) on Pasadena Ave
Time frame removed on No U Turn Signs, enforcing the signage during all hours:
Completed July 2025
El Centro St (East/Westbound direction) in front of school
Flashing stop sign installation:
Completed October 2025
El Centro St/Indiana Ave (East/Westbound direction)
Corrected school zone speed limit signs and street painting from 25 mph to 15 mph:
Completed February 2026
Pasadena Ave- North/Southbound, On Pasadena Ave
Pasadena Ave/El Centro St- Eastbound
El Centro/Cawston St- Westbound
Installation of flashing pedestrian crosswalk signs:
Completed February 2026
El Centro St/Pasadena Ave Intersection (North/Southbound on Pasadena Ave)
The South Pasadena Unified School District is also coordinating with the City to improve traffic safety at the El Centro St/Pasadena Ave intersection and the Hawthorne St/Cawston Ave intersection. In early 2026, a traffic study was conducted at each intersection to determine whether an all-way stop at each intersection is warranted. The studies were completed in February and determined that an all-way stop at the intersection of El Centro St/Pasadena Ave is not warranted, but an all-way stop at the intersection of Hawthorne St/Cawston Ave is warranted. Installation of the all-way stop at Hawthorne St/Cawston Ave will commence in the spring.
The City is also exploring avenues to increase traffic safety at the El Centro St/Indiana Ave intersection.
Remaining traffic improvements have been delayed since January 2026 due to a sewer line rehabilitation project, performed by Spiniello Infrastructure West in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, which is taking place around the school zone. The estimated completion date of the project is April 17, 2026.
Looking ahead, the City will continue to make improvements in the school zone:
Red curbs will be painted 20 feet long at the following intersections in compliance with AB 413*:
Estimated completion in April 2026
El Centro St/Indiana Ave
El Centro St/Cawston Ave
El Centro St/Pasadena Ave
Hawthorne St/Cawston Ave
Hawthorne St/Pasadena Ave (after completion of sewer line rehabilitation project)
*AB 413 prohibits parking or stopping a vehicle within 20 feet of the approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk to improve visibility.
After completion of the sewer line rehabilitation project, additional improvements include:
Estimated completion dates pending in coordination with SPUSD
- Installation of all-way stop signs at Hawthorne St/Cawston Ave
- Installation of left turn restrictions during school hours at El Centro St/Cawston Ave
- Installation of “No Stopping / Parking between the hours of 7:00 am – 4:00 pm” signs along Hawthorne St from Pasadena Ave to Indiana Ave
- Installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at intersection of El Centro St/ Cawston Ave
The installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of El Centro St/Cawston Ave was approved by the South Pasadena City Council to improve pedestrian safety for crossing El Centro Ave. The project is in the design process with construction anticipated to begin early winter 2026.
About the City of South Pasadena
The City of South Pasadena is a charming community, situated only six miles from downtown Los Angeles. Called the City of Trees, the area is known for its stunning homes, unique small businesses, and top-quality schools. South Pasadena’s diverse population of about 25,000 occupies a mere 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. This small-town atmosphere makes South Pasadena one of California's most desirable locations.
For more information about the City of South Pasadena, visit www.southpasadenaca.gov. Follow us on social media to keep up with the latest news: YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram at @southpasadenaca.
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