Mobile-Home Park Residents Protest Against Traffic Signal

Residents of Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park say a new traffic signal near their complex has created a dangerous situation for motorists--and they want it removed.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen,” park resident Walter Pack told the City Council this week.

Bob Edwards, manager of the mobile-home park at 501 E. Orangethorpe Ave., was even more pessimistic. “Somebody’s going to get killed out there,” he said. “It’s inevitable.”

The signal was installed in August to help ease traffic congestion at a new industrial complex south of Orangethorpe.

Rancho La Paz residents maintain that it was placed so that traffic now blocks access to the mobile-home park.

“I feel the city did some poor planning and did not consider the senior citizens as much as the business park,” said Terry Giardino, one of 100 park residents who took their concerns to the council.

Mayor Tom Daly told the group that officials are aware of the issue and that the city staff will review their concerns.

“Let me assure you the situation will receive complete professional analysis,” he said.

In recent weeks, park residents have filed more than 160 complaints with the city over the signal, which they say should be relocated or removed.

They also allege discrimination against them because they are elderly.

“They did not consider our welfare and safety,” Edwards, the park manager, said. “The traffic signal is not compatible with the mobile-home park,”

City Atty. Jack L. White said the residents’ claims are being reviewed and that he expects to send a response to the council in January.