Respect the Cone Zone: Birney Elementary’s Appeal for Community-Wide Support

Oct. 27 marked the start of Birney Elementary’s closed campus policy, bringing shorter drop-off windows and more traffic along Campus Avenue and nearby streets. While this change strengthens safety for students and staff, it also means we all need to do our part to respect the cone zone.

As members of the University Heights community, we’re asking neighbors to show their spirit by volunteering in the cone zone or avoiding the area during busy times to ease congestion. If you’re heading to the 163 freeway, please use Park Boulevard, as our young walkers can take time crossing safely. Expect more families parking and walking from Cleveland Avenue, North Avenue, and Campus Street.

The cone zone, led by Stephanie Slagle and the Beekeeper Alliance, creates a traffic-calming buffer that gives children a safe walk-off zone from vehicles. It’s not always the most convenient system, but it’s the safest one for all. Current challenges include double-parking, blocked crosswalks, and unsafe driving near pedestrians. We’re asking all drivers to slow down, respect the cones, and volunteer if you can.

Birney families are doing their part by using designated drop-off zones, walking, and carpooling to reduce congestion. These efforts help ensure a smoother experience for the entire UH community as we adjust to new routines.

We’re also asking UH residents to help by parking legally, keeping sightlines clear, avoiding U-turns, and being especially mindful in high-pedestrian areas. Our smallest community members need time and space to cross safely; they’re still learning.

If you’re a grandparent, neighbor, or anyone who cares about student safety, consider joining the Beekeeper Alliance as a volunteer. Just an hour of your time can help manage traffic and keep dropoff flowing smoothly.

Sign up through the volunteer page at birneybees.org/get-involved/volunteer and look for the Cone Zone Volunteer Doc under “Get Involved.”

The cone zone only works when everyone commits to it. Let’s make it work for University Heights.

Pick-up and drop-off times: Monday–Friday, 8:45 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.