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The Atherton Police Department, in collaboration with Redwood City Police and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a targeted “crosswalk safety emphasis” operation at the intersection of El Camino Real and Selby Lane on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
During the two-and-a-half-hour operation, 72 motorists were issued citations for crosswalk violations.
“We’ve had some crashes here in the past,” said Atherton Patrol Officer Karena Shum. Atherton Police Chief Steve McCulley said the department chose that intersection due to “ongoing safety concerns.”
As part of the operation, Atherton police employees dressed in plain clothes repeatedly walked across the marked crosswalk at El Camino Real and Selby Lane from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Uniformed officers stationed nearby observed whether drivers complied with pedestrian right-of-way laws. Drivers who failed to yield to the pedestrians were pulled over immediately, receiving a $238 fine and a point on their DMV record.
“Strict enforcement discourages reckless driving and sets a clear expectation of compliance. Knowing that violations will result in consequences makes drivers more likely to obey the law,” McCulley said.
He added that enforcement educates drivers and pedestrians, contributes to a responsible driving culture and ensures safer streets for pedestrians.
“El Camino has had a lot of accidents and we want to make sure drivers are looking out for pedestrians; it’s the law,” said Detective Gina Dutta, one of the officers crossing the street. “Drivers could be distracted or in a rush and that’s how accidents happen.”
During the operation, Dutta walked through the crosswalk amid fast-moving traffic. When asked if she was scared, Dutta responded, “Sometimes it can be a little scary, but it’s important to keep pedestrians safe.”
Dispatcher Debby Allen, also participating as a pedestrian decoy, said, “It can be very dangerous to cross El Camino sometimes.”
“Motorists yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks is crucial for public safety, preventing accidents, and fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment,” McCully said.
He added that similar pedestrian safety enforcement operations are planned “in the near future.”
“We just saved a life,” Allen remarked as a vehicle sped past her in the crosswalk, prompting immediate pursuit by an observing officer.
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I’ve crossed there once. Even though the car in the first lane stopped for me, even though there was a cross walk – cars kept flying down the road. I respect the police department’s effort at enforcing the law, but short of having a full-blown stoplight there, I’m not sure it’s a safe place to cross.
This intersection needs a traffic light. It is dangerous for EVERYONE.
Great to see support for pedestrians, scooters, and bicyclist.
Good article! As a solution, I think In-Pavement crosswalk lights that flash are pretty effective as they are only flashing when a pedestrian is present and activates the lights.
According to police chief Steve McCulley, “Knowing that violations will result in consequences makes [law breakers] more likely to obey the law.”
Too bad he doesn’t apply that theory to the string of serial burglaries in Atherton, which the Atherton police department has not been able to stop or even slow down.
McCulley’s answer to the burglaries is a strict “no pursuit” policy. He won’t allow officers to pursue the thieves with their patrol cars because “it might injure a pedestrian” – even if the pursuit were taking place in the middle of the night when there are no pedestrians.
Neighboring Menlo Park allows vehicular pursuit when the officer feels it is safe to do so.
When asked at a community meeting if he’ll allow the officers to pursue on foot, McCulley also said no he won’t even allow that for a non-violent crime. That could cause injury to the officer.
The officers’ pay and retirement packages are argued by their union to be justified by the dangers they face on the job!
Instead, McCulley is using PR opportunities like a crosswalk to justify his leadership of the police department. He should be focusing on the fundamentals. The number one police/safety issue in Atherton is these robberies.
I think it’s time for him to go and let’s bring in a chief who can stop these robberies by focusing on the right priorities.
It would be very helpful to include the full text of the code section describing the rules for drivers so one can avoid the fine/point.