Unreasonable school zone speed limits?

Is it just me, or is Steilacoom a bit nutty with the school zones?

20 mph from 7am till 9pm.

What the heck is that? Who is leaving their kids at school till 9 pm or even 5 pm. Last I checked, schools got out around 3:30pm. My kid comes home around 3.

I've driven down Old Military Road in Steilacoom around 4pm on several days and counted the kids walking. The count was ZERO. Are these designated times in place for child safety or for some other reason? Some locals believe the extended times are to increase the amount of speeding tickets given by the city. While this may raise some money for the city, is this the right way to go about it? According to this month's "The Hometown Clipper" Steilacoom had 73 speeding citations in the last recorded month.

Maybe I'm ignorant, but these school zone hours seem illogical to me.

-John

p.s.

Why are Steilacoom signs unsightly neon when the rest of the US seems to find yellow okay?

Steilacoom WiFi project

Apparently a certain Steilacoom citizen is opposed to the placement of devices in support of the Steilacoom wireless fidelity (WiFi) program, as it puts a small cylinder on top of the light post in front of his view of the Sound from atop his hillside residence.


"Regardless of the economics and whether or not there is any cost to the town, there is no price for the loss of the beauty that is Steilacoom." he blogs.

He is apparently so disappointed that he wrote a letter to the editor of the Hometown Clipper, developed a blog, and brought it up at a city council meeting.

My question is... what about the wonderful new crosswalk signs placed in the middle of the roadway?

Are these not an eyesore as well? I guess if they don't impede your view, they are alright. Personally... I think they take away from the old town feel.


They are in the center of my daily commute. On a side note, I would like to say thanks to the sign maker for informing me that running over a pedestrian is against state law as opposed to logic or common sense.

Why does the citizen opposing the WiFi antennas not oppose the larger, more colorful street signs? Are they not line of sight to his view of the water? If they move the wireless canisters directly over the top of the pole, will that be okay? I guess I'm tired of people presenting personal matters as a community issue.

The WiFi system is going to support emergency staff as a communication hub in the event of an emergency. I think that is great. After working with those involved in the Hurricane Katrina recovery, I know for fact that every little bit of communications equipment helps. Even if it blocks a hundred square inches of someone's view.

The future pricing of system access is unknown. Hopefully the city will keep the prices down for residents.

-John