Program to Enforce School Zone Laws

GRAND TERRACE>> The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is rolling out a new program called “Operation Safe Passage,” a new project in Grand Terrace designed to educate parents, staff and students regarding California Vehicle Codes in school zones. This month, Sheriff’s Central Station School Resource Officer, station personnel and school district employees will be handing out brochures of information in front of Grand Terrace schools. According to the informational brochure, the mission of the project is to provide collaborative law enforcement solutions that meet the needs of our communities and parents by delivering quality professional services to America’s largest county. Some of the school zone laws, which are included in the brochure, include the basic speed law of 25 mph, information about prohibited stopping or parking in certain areas, pedestrian crossing, bus loading zones and the law that states anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet to operate a bicycle. Deputy Frank Navarro of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s station said there are two components to the project. The first component is to bring education and awareness to the Grand Terrace community, and then enforce the rules. Navarro said the School Resource Officer will work with the school district to encourage the brochure be uploaded onto the school sites home page for parents to see. The brochure also includes tips for children such as look both ways, obey school crossing guards, ride bicycles in the same direction of traffic, etc. After a brief period has passed, the enforcement period will begin in the months of August and September. Navarro said deputies will be enforcing violations that are observed in school zones at various schools in the City of Grand Terrace. Enforcement of such violations may include a written citation. The Sheriff Department urges anyone with questions or concerns to contact the office at (909)387-3545. The office is located at 655 E. 3rd Street in San Bernardino, California and is open Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.