Parent volunteers hit roadblock in Dixon - ContraCostaTimes.com:
"Hoping to fill in the gap left by laid-off school crossing guards, a group of Dixon parents has been volunteering their time to do the work but have run into a legal roadblock with no clear answer on how to get around it.
Joe DiPaola, former candidate for the Dixon Unified Governing Board and parent of a child at Tremont Elementary School, at 355 Pheasant Run Drive, said it was a group of about eight parents who took turns as crossing guards in front of the school. But their good deed was brought to a screeching halt after a member of law enforcement informed a parent, who was crossing students without a STOP sign, that crossing guards must be trained and failure to comply would result in a ticket."
"We realized it was a big problem and we needed to do something," said Sally Moore, a Tremont parent. "It was actually kind of fun to get out there and, with a little common sense, it's very easy to get kids across the street safely."
California Highway Patrol spokesman Marvin Williford cited California Vehicle Code section 21100(e), which states that local authorities may adopt rules requiring a person who directs traffic, in this case a crossing guard, be trained.
The city of Dixon and the Dixon Unified School District have an agreement that crossing guards, while funded by the city, will be trained by district personnel.
"Everyday good Samaritans can't be good Samaritans," said Moore. "Parents want to be involved but can't help."
"Hoping to fill in the gap left by laid-off school crossing guards, a group of Dixon parents has been volunteering their time to do the work but have run into a legal roadblock with no clear answer on how to get around it.
Joe DiPaola, former candidate for the Dixon Unified Governing Board and parent of a child at Tremont Elementary School, at 355 Pheasant Run Drive, said it was a group of about eight parents who took turns as crossing guards in front of the school. But their good deed was brought to a screeching halt after a member of law enforcement informed a parent, who was crossing students without a STOP sign, that crossing guards must be trained and failure to comply would result in a ticket."
"We realized it was a big problem and we needed to do something," said Sally Moore, a Tremont parent. "It was actually kind of fun to get out there and, with a little common sense, it's very easy to get kids across the street safely."
California Highway Patrol spokesman Marvin Williford cited California Vehicle Code section 21100(e), which states that local authorities may adopt rules requiring a person who directs traffic, in this case a crossing guard, be trained.
The city of Dixon and the Dixon Unified School District have an agreement that crossing guards, while funded by the city, will be trained by district personnel.
"Everyday good Samaritans can't be good Samaritans," said Moore. "Parents want to be involved but can't help."
