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Sharon Wilson, a crossing guard at Reese Elementary School for eight years, stops traffic on Elm Street so pedestrians can cross after school Monday. (Dan Evans/News-Sentinel)

Crosswalk safety a growing issue

Lodi Police tells one school to stop using student crossing guards

By Jennifer Bonnett
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Monday, September 22, 2008 11:56 PM PDT

Comments (54 comment(s))

St. Anne's Catholic School had to end its tradition of using student crossing guards after Lodi Police alerted the school's principal to the fact that the practice was illegal.

Until last Wednesday, about two dozen students in grades fourth through eighth volunteered for the duty, putting in 15 minutes before school and 15 minutes after school.

The practice ended when a Lodi Police officer informed Principal Dennis Taricco that the school was not in compliance with a 2006 law that prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from going into the middle of a street to stop traffic.

"I don't want to put our safety patrol back out on the street until I get the word from the police department on exactly what's allowed," Taricco said of student crossing guards at St. Anne's.

At Reese Elementary School, for example, students do not walk into Elm Street but instead hold out a long sign alerting motorists that there are children in the crosswalk. The city of Lodi also installed a flashing light at the crossing in 2005 because of safety concerns.

Crosswalk safety is a growing concern for Lodi parents.

The police department's traffic officers and school resource officers met last Tuesday to discuss vehicle safety around the city's public and private schools after several residents complaints were received, according to the city manager's weekly update.

Police Chief David Main could not be reached for comment.

But according to City Manager Blair King's memo, officers are reportedly working with schools to send home fliers advising parents of traffic laws around schools, and plans are underway to educate the public through a future News-Sentinel "Behind the Badge" column. Special traffic violation enforcement is also planned.

Taricco said the crossing guard program at St. Anne's had taught students responsibility and built character.

"Our students have done a good job," he added. "As soon as we know what we can and can't do, we will revamp our program."

Until then, Taricco himself or parent volunteers will help St. Anne students get across Pleasant and Walnut avenues safely.

Taricco, who said the safety program has received awards in the past for instilling responsibility in student participants, has received complaints from parents who miss the student crossing guards.

"They feel it was done for so many years without a problem, so now, why all of a sudden (was it stopped)?" he said.

The principal, himself, wonders why it has recently become an issue, especially since he was told the law was passed in 2006.

That's about the time Lodi Unified School District and the police departments in both Stockton and Lodi reviewed what would be the safest for students, according to Catherine Pennington, assistant superintendent for primary education.

She said most schools that have a busy street nearby have a paid adult crossing guard who helps pedestrians and bicyclists get across safely.

Student patrols are allowed to work with the adults, but are not permitted to step off the curb, Pennington added.

Reader Feedback

Shelby wrote on Sep 29, 2008 9:10 AM:

" I think the crossing guards are very important and provide a safe way for the children to cross and for cars to pass, try to drive down on Pine street when High school kids get out, it is crazy, cars will get backed all the way to the signal light, thay just keep comeing and comeing, now that leads to a lot of unnessery angry drivers. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 26, 2008 9:04 PM:

" ra: Yes, I indeed think there are too many parents "over-coddling" their children. There are also too many adults/parents/teachers etc. that forget what it was like being a kid and that want to take away everything kids enjoy doing because of a few bad apples. On this particular issue, IMO, having adults direct and supervise the student crossing guards is the best thing to do, rather than have just the kids crossing other kids in high traffic situations. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:58 PM:

" SportsGuru wrote "If this were a public school, Lodi Unified would suspend the traffic guards for three days for making the mistake of directing traffic!"

It's interesting that you say that because there have been calls to the office to complain about the student crossing guards. God forbid they require a vehicle to STOP for the little school children to cross the street. Some people are so ignorant and self-centered. They think stopping for 30 seconds to allow children to cross the street is just too inconvenient. "

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SportsGuru wrote on Sep 26, 2008 4:07 PM:

" .
If this were a public school, Lodi Unified would suspend the traffic guards for three days for making the mistake of directing traffic! "

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ra wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:48 AM:

" Sorry, that was a little unfair. I'm glad to see your concerns about the over-coddling of children. My concern is that we have removed nearly all opportunities for responsibility from our children. Reading the blog's responses from those who participated at St. Annes, at least one adult and often two watch traffic and give direction to students before they move into the street. I don't think the adults would direct the kids unless it was safe. I never disagreed that other schools in town have higher volume/wider streets that can lead to more disastrous results or a need for other solutions. I have not assigned my position to other schools. I actually drove by the school this morning to see for myself. Nearly all the traffic is parents from the school very aware of kids in the cross-walks. I just don't see the need there to be over-concerned. "

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ra wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:30 AM:

" Lodian...I fear for your children... "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:29 AM:

" ra wrote on Sep 25, 2008 8:37 AM:

" With the removal of crossing guards, St. Anne's should now demand a 4-way stop at the crossing. "

All the schools should make this request. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:28 AM:

" ra: I am one that believes that too many parents are raising veal calves, so I can totally relate to you not wanting the "pussification" of todays children. Ive actually taken the same stand on many issues regarding kids today. On this particular issue though I think it's time to keep the little darlings out of the street when coming face to face with 1.85 ton vehicles with aggressive and/or careless drivers behind the wheel. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:24 AM:

" ra wrote "I choose more freedom and choice, you choose more restrictions. We differ and should leave it there. I hope freedom wins."

ra: Stay focused. We're talking about a specific issue here. You're speaking in generalities. We're talking about young children crossing other little children in crosswalks in an increasingly growing town with a lot more traffic here. Add in the ever increasing amount of aggressive drivers out there and this becomes a very important issue as we are looking to make sure the children get home safe and sound.

And yes, when it comes to children, the adults need to place "restrictions" on what they can and cannot do. That's what good parents and adults do. I'm sure the school would be more than happy, and would welcome you, if you came to school and walked your own child across the street. You do have the FREEDOM to do this for yourself. Or are you of the mindset that thinks the school should do everything for you, and do it the way YOU want it to be done? "

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ra wrote on Sep 25, 2008 8:37 AM:

" With the removal of crossing guards, St. Anne's should now demand a 4-way stop at the crossing. "

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ra wrote on Sep 25, 2008 8:14 AM:

" Lodian. My comment regarding vehicle weight was a little tongue in cheek humor regarding your earlier statement about statistics. Please don't take it seriously. We can try to erase every statistical chance of harm but lose many freedoms in the process. I choose more freedom and choice, you choose more restrictions. We differ and should leave it there. I hope freedom wins. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:18 PM:

" jimmy: Things change. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:13 PM:

" ra: You want to argue the weight of an SUV, but the force is compounded when the vehicle hits a child. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:09 PM:

" What? "...the LPD has nothing better to do than pick on Saint Annes"???

Sure, that's it. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:02 PM:

" ra: In contrast to what you seem to think, Saint Annes is not the only school in Lodi that has little children crossing in crosswalks. Drive by other elementary schools in Lodi to form your own opinion. Physically watching the dangers these kids face in local crosswalks throughout Lodi, before and after school, is worth your time. It will open your eyes. "

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ra wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:02 PM:

" Plus the average statistical size of a mid-size SUV is 1.85 tons not 4 tons. "

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ra wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:50 PM:

" Lodian, the "useless" online stats are from real data and is the basis on which the legislation being enforced by LPD is drafted. It therefore is extremely applicable in real life. I don't fault LPD because they don't write laws. I agree observation of actual individual circumstances is warranted and preferred in nearly all cases. With that you have ignored to analyze the circumstances and safety record of the St. Anne's intersection - the most real life data you can collect. You will not accept statistical data or real life observation, so what world do you live in? Just wishing or thinking something were so does not make it factual. "

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jimmypage wrote on Sep 24, 2008 4:50 PM:

" I also graduated from Saint Annes 2 years ago and I was a captain of the safety patrol. I was going through the Saint Annes archives and have found pictures from the 1950's of Safety Patrol. Why now? What made some person want to do this to these children who just want some responsibility. Its not like their left alone outside. There IS a teacher always present outside. This is very ridiculous. So what Lodian is saying is that you'd rather see a bunch of children get hit, than have any safety patrol at all? As boonablis wrote, we DO need to stop the pussification of america. It just sickens me seeing parents having to take time out of their schedule to help out when there are kids willing to do safety patrol, but cant because the LPD has nothing better to do than pick on Saint Annes. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:59 PM:

" boonablis wrote "Ra- you da man, or woman. lodian just got owned by you."

boona: That's interesting. How do you figure? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:57 PM:

" ra: How many facts (children being hit) do you need to see the risk? Did you watch the school crosswalks today, ra? Don't take my word for it, or the police or the crossing guards or even the children's word for it! Near misses and angry reckless drivers are not in your stats. This is real life, ra. Get your head outta the useless online stats site and see what is going on around you, in Lodi. Your comments tell me that you do not have young children, or maybe none at all. I'm not surprised that you do not understand the issue. "

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boonablis wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:06 PM:

" Ra- you da man, or woman. lodian just got owned by you. I agree with you 100% "

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ra wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:46 AM:

" Lodian, the self-reflectivity of your comment makes my point. Lighten up...Francis. The facts are a nut will run down your child in the crosswalk regardless of whether they are alone, with an adult crosser, or with a student crossing guard. Yes, a student crossing guard exposes themselves a little more to the risk, however the data I presented, which by the way also includes fatalities during the weekend and other times students are not going to/fro school, proves the risk is very minute. Unless we gate our streets, no other measure will further protect our children from the overblown risk outlined in this story that is almost statistically meaningless. FACTS NOT FEAR. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:37 AM:

" ra wrote "But is it really about the children or the fears of paranoid adults and the pockets of those who would profit?"

ra: It's very simple. Read slowly... It's about safety for the children. And who's profiting? A responsible adult takes steps to help school children be safe. No conspiracies, ra! It is amazing to me that you don't care about these little kids facing off with a 4-ton vehicle! I have a feeling you do not have children as you do not have an understanding of what is going on out there today. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:30 AM:

" ra: Do you have young elementary school age children? Do they walk to and from school? If so, do they cross at a crosswalk? Are you not concerned that a nut will drive through the crosswalk and hit your child. I see a dangerous driver every single day when I go to and from the school. Some days I feel as though it is a miracle that no child was injured or worse. "

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B&Wmom2 wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:07 AM:

" What parent would want their young child out in the middle of the roadway attempting to stop a 3,500 pound vehicle? Not me! It appears as if LPD is attempting to stop a tragic accident BEFORE it happens. Some Citizens of Lodi ALWAYS complain that "what's it going to take a child getting killed before LPD does something?" Now that LPD is being proactive some of the citizens of Lodi suddenly don't like it.
Also, the other schools in Lodi have student safety patrol that consists of crossing fellow students (doing ped crossing)St. Annes will be allowed to continue this as other schools do(if I understand correctly) so those students will still be able to continue with their responsibilities but just won't be in danger of being struck and killed by a oncoming vehicle. "

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ra wrote on Sep 24, 2008 8:22 AM:

" It's always for the children....comrade. But is it really about the children or the fears of paranoid adults and the pockets of those who would profit? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:27 PM:

" ra wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:45 PM:

" Yes, it is possible any given day that the Sun will supernova and we will be wiped out by aliens or asteroid impacts too. Some of us use common sense, teach our children to be very careful when crossing and refuse to helmet and bubble wrap our kids for the extremely rare chance of a idiot busting through a cross walk. "

Come on now, ra. One can decide to help little children be safe crossing the street without being some nut-job afraid of their own shadow. Be more realistic. You need to go watch a school crosswalk after school tomorrow and count all the nuts that go by. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:14 PM:

" ra: Where did anyone mention drunk drivers? "

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ra wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:14 PM:

" For those concerned about drunk drivers - Most drunk drivers would wipe out the ADULT crossing guard AND your kids in the crosswalk. Where is the additional safety factor? "

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18 pence for common sense wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:58 PM:

" I graduated from St. Anne's Academy 2 years ago and was part of safety (student speak for crossing guard duty). What on earth is this stupid law, I know Tarricco personally as a friend and he is upset. At what point does it become unsafe for children in bright ORANGE vests and RED signs to HELP children across the street. Espescialy when the students are led by a senior safety member and supervised by Tarricco and Ms. Herold. Ms. Herold is the organizer of safety. "

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ra wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:55 PM:

" Here's some data from the non-profit National Safe Kids Campaign that unintentionally shows how rare a death is in the circumstance portrayed in the story. Eighty-one percent of traffic-related childhood pedestrian deaths occur at NON-INTERSECTION locations. 43-percent of deaths occur after 4pm: AFTER crossing guards are gone. That means a total of 60 out of 73,043,000 children in this country are hit and killed at an intersection during the hours crossing guards are in action. The numbers do not mention those killed at intersections away from school, most likely a majority of the deaths. The new signs near schools work great and I support them. Additional research shows you are 2x more likely to die as a pedestrian if you are NOT a child. Non-profits that sell fear are a very profitable business, that's why so many exist. "

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ra wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:45 PM:

" Yes, it is possible any given day that the Sun will supernova and we will be wiped out by aliens or asteroid impacts too. Some of us use common sense, teach our children to be very careful when crossing and refuse to helmet and bubble wrap our kids for the extremely rare chance of a idiot busting through a cross walk. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:15 PM:

" ra: Do you have young elementary school age children? Do they walk to and from school? If so, do they cross at a crosswalk? Are you not concerned that a nut will drive through the crosswalk and hit your child. I see a dangerous driver every single day when I go to and from the school. Some days I feel as though it is a miracle that no child was injured or worse. "

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ra wrote on Sep 23, 2008 2:16 PM:

" When I have driven by that intersection, I have noticed adult supervised well-disciplined kids. The intersection is a residential street not a major street. This is another one-size-fits-all form of government intrusion. The system worked fine and taught kids a sense of responsibility. Let the parents decide if there is risk and take action of their own accord...not the nanny government. What next? Strapping kids into car seats to cross the street? No street crossing allowed by children under 18? (to Pink Floyd's the Wall) Nanny state....leave them kids alone... "

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T & C wrote on Sep 23, 2008 1:44 PM:

" Everyone SURE is a hurry instead of using common sense! The 2006 law was enacted for a reason: To protect lives! Small children are harder to se ethen an adult and even adults have been killed by drivers at such crosswalks! Would you rather see a small child on a crosswalk, or being taken to a cemtery?

http://cbs2.com/local/Crossing.Guard.Glendale.2.513811.html "

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mee thinks wrote on Sep 23, 2008 1:01 PM:

" WOW some of you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Lodi used to be a nice little community where you could trust your kids would get to school safe and sound. Now days ya gotta drop them off to make sure they get there alive. Too many people are in a huge hurry. If you have to rush, don't go down the streets with schools. find another route. I've even seen people drop their own kids off safe but then nearly plow down the neighbors kid. Come on people... slow it down in the school zone. And Boonalis - you can move outta this town. we don't need negative people like you here. "

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boonablis wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:55 AM:

" Heres how we go high tech. Give the laptops, home school them so do not have to cross the street to go to school. Wow, unreal. "

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Rhodie wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:48 AM:

" I say go high tech. Put remote cameras in like at traffic lights. Flashing lights mean don't drive through. If a driver flies by when there are kids in the crosswalk hit the owner of the car with a HUGE $$$$$ fine.

OR ya can go extreme. Have any of you seen those traffic guards in Europe that shoot up to block lanes when buses go by? Place those at the most dangerous intersections. A couple of destroyed cars will re-enforce the idea that kids in crosswalks are not targets. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:46 AM:

" I am concerned as to why St. Anne's Catholic School did not know of the law regarding the kids no longer allowed to be crossing guards. Did they not get the notice two years ago? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:39 AM:

" Being a crossing guard used to be a good experience for the kids. It's not so great anymore. It's just not even close to being safe for a kid to stop traffic these days. People seem to be intent on flying by school children! It disgusts me. Lodi is not the small town it used to be and we have a lot more drivers/traffic. There seems to be so many more aggressive drivers as well.

Our school crossing guard (an very capable sharp adult) has almost been hit many times as well as cussed out, flipped off (yes, all in front of little children) and bless her heart she still hangs in there and does the job for us. We've had the police out at the school many times and of course everyone behaves when they see the police.

It's unfortunate that our kids in Lodi can no longer help out and serve as crossing guards due to all the nasty dangerous drivers out there. "

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nylodian wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:18 AM:

" Wow - Talk about wimpin' out. Those so vocal against a simple measure of precaution for kids can't handle a little debate and have to resort to name calling. Now that's real "pussification" for ya! :) "

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Shelby wrote on Sep 23, 2008 10:13 AM:

" This is a big problem, I work on Lodi Ave, and i see every day young students get stuck in the middle of a crosswalk and cars do not stop. I guess someone must be ran over before the drivers in lodi wake up.I will always stop for someone at a crosswalk. I ride my bike sometimes to work. Yes crossing the street at a intersection is very hard, No one will stop, so i take my chance and walk my bike across the crosswalk with drivers giveing me the bird. I have even seen the LPD go through a crosswalk when someone is trying to cross thay do not stop. what a example. "

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boonablis wrote on Sep 23, 2008 10:11 AM:

" You were a crossing guard at that school at the intersection turner rd. and 99 right?????
count it! "

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HappyDays94 wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:45 AM:

" I am astounded by several peoples comments. Yes, we have all been crossing guards at our elementary schools, that was back then; times have changed. I served as an adult crossing guard several years ago at my children's elementary school and let me tell you there are way more idiots now than 20-30 years ago. No one is curtious it's all about rushing. I am a big visible woman and do you no how many near misses I had, if the drivers are oblivious to me than what would have happen if I weren't there. I was right down the street from the high school when the two girls got plowed over, people just don't care anymore. We should, these kids are our future, stop rushing, slow the heck down, and be kind; some of your words to one another is hateful, for what reason? Aren't we all supposed to support and assist instead of bash? "

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Peeps wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:20 AM:

" I don't think the issues is that the kids can't be good cross guards but more so that the drivers of today are more dangerous and careless. There is more traffic and drivers are impatient because they are in a hurry to get to work etc. "

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libraryguy wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:16 AM:

" Lodians are notorious for not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. This archived story in the Sentinel bears that out: http://lodinews.com/articles/2001/07/05/export5369.txt "

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boonablis wrote on Sep 23, 2008 9:14 AM:

" nylodian- you make no sense, do us here all a favor, shut your mouth and act right. You know that this is ridiculous.
If I did hit a kid with my car I would pay for it, you stupid sob, I am accountable.

What a typical answer from a sucka. "

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shannonlee05 wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:55 AM:

" How stupid is that? Now you have us paying for non-existing Dr. bills. Waaa "

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nylodian wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:51 AM:

" Hey, you're right: if a kid gets hit, you guys against
"pussification" can pay all the doctor bills. No whining now - man up and pay up! "

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shannonlee05 wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:39 AM:

" boonablis wrote ----->" T&C way to hold the B.S. company line, sometimes kids will get hurt, no matter how much we require them to wear bike helments, or not be crossing guards, eventually someone will be injured. Yes that sucks, but everyone cannot be protected. So, you stop you whinin'......pussification, unreal. "

I agree with you, and we need to stop the pussification in America.... I love Maxim Radio!!! shannon "

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boonablis wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:31 AM:

" T&C way to hold the B.S. company line, sometimes kids will get hurt, no matter how much we require them to wear bike helments, or not be crossing guards, eventually someone will be injured. Yes that sucks, but everyone cannot be protected. So, you stop you whinin'......pussification, unreal. "

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T & C wrote on Sep 23, 2008 8:16 AM:

" It is better to be safe then to have a child injured needlessly! Stop your whining everyone! "

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Carlos wrote on Sep 23, 2008 7:31 AM:

" One time I had the crossing guards step out to stop traffic when I was in the middle of the intersection. Then behind me, the crossing guards had kids crossing. So there I was, kids crossing in front and behind with me in the middle of the intersection. Lucky no PD came by. "

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boonablis wrote on Sep 23, 2008 6:15 AM:

" Hey pennington, what friggin world are you living in? I attended reese, and did do this crossing duty. If I can remember correctly, i don't think i ever got run over by a car, nor did any one I know. This is just another example of the pussification of america.
I can see it in the future, one will most likely need a college degree to work at these crosswalks, but only make 8 bones an hour, because someone has to be properly qualified to blow a whistle a walk with a sign in the air, because kids cannot perform this action after 20 years of doing it. LUSD, LPD, and pennigton you make me sick "

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