Rundown Brahma Blotter

These incidents were reported between Oct. 5 - Oct. 13

10/05

•Student Incident

Two students were arguing over a parking spot in Parking Lot 1 at 8:30 p.m.

10/11

•Chalk Writing in Gazebo Graffiti chalk writing supporting veganism was reported on the gazebo pillars near the Free Speech Area. (See page 5)

10/12

•Bike Theft

The number of students struck by cars on campus rose during the last nine months, and officials said many are caused by distracted pedestrians and drivers.

Vice President of Administrative Services Rolf Schleicher said that the rise of student accidents is due to drivers and pedestrians not paying attention while in the parking lots.

“In the last nine months, we have had more students hit by cars,” Schleicher said.

Most recently, a motorcycle and car collided by the Orange Line on Oct. 13, sending the motorcyclist to the hospital.

On Oct. 2 a vehicle cut into the intersection causing a car to flip and another to crash into the curb on Victory Boulevard.

Schleicher said accidents like these occur because students are rushing to and from class. Texting while driving is also a big concern, he added. “The rise of the cellphone has been the biggest detriment we have had,” Schleicher said. “As wonderful as a tool it is, it has made safety a much bigger problem.”

" The speed limit is 8 mph in the parking lots. Not 18 mph, 8. Pedestrians come shooting out between cars. I don’t know what it is "

- Al Guerrero Deputy Team Leader

Safety precautions have been implemented on campus to combat the issue. Schleicher said flashing lights have been placed to alert cars while driving. Schleicher also said that students should let each other know to be aware while on campus. “Students will listen to other students,” Schleicher said. “It sounds really basic, but it really works.”

Deputy Lazaro Sanchez said students need to be aware when in the parking lots. Sanchez said cellphones and not paying attention to regular traffic rules cause accidents.

“Look both ways. It’s an issue of attention for drivers and pedestrians,” Sanchez said. “That’s why accidents happen.” attention from the drivers and pedestrians that cause accidents.

Pierce Sheriff’s Department Team Leader Al Guerrero said he recently witnessed two cars almost colliding and a car swerving around two students to get through the parking lot.

Guerrero said that cellphones are also an issue. He said that nothing is too important to be looking at on a phone while driving or walking in a parking lot.

Guerrero also said the speed limit in the parking lot is sometimes not obeyed.

“The speed limit is 8 mph in the parking lots. Not 18 mph, 8,” Guerrero said. “Pedestrians come shooting out between cars. I don’t know what it is.”

Guerrero said adding more speed bumps, parking spaces for people who have disabilities and speed limits signs would make the parking lots safer.

He also said extending the drop off area in Parking Lot 7, which has the most accidents overall, would help reduce incidents because it has straight away lanes that a lot of students walk through.

Guerrero said that Pierce has less access points to campus, with only four.

“I hope the frequency of accidents comes down,” Guerrero said. “That’s not up to me, that’s up to every student that comes on campus.” ngoldbloom.roundupnews@gmail.com

An unknown suspect stole a locked bike from the bike rack by the math building between 8:40 a.m. and 3:50 p.m.

10/13

•Vandalism

A student reported that his tire was slashed on Mason Avenue and El Rancho Drive between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Pierce College Sheriff’s Station

General Information:

Emergency:

(818) 710 - 4311