"Installation of a pedestrian activated stoplight at Skyline Drive and Herbst Road cannot be accommodated at this time."(David A. Chew for Harry Y. Yahata, District Director, California State Department of Transportation, letter of May 3, 2000)

Here's the DPW's view of the safety of this intersection:

Of course, if the City DPW crews need to repair a sewer bring out the concrete barriers, bring out the flashing diamond warning lights, install a parade of stop signs.  See the worker over by the power shovel?  Got to take care of him!

And see that little yellow sign in the background.  That's what the State has until now regarded as adequate protection for classes of schoolchildren visiting the San Francisco Zoo, or clients of the Recreation Center for the Handicapped who want to visit Lake Merced.  Well, maybe they'll put in a flashing yellow light too, activated by the pedestrian throwing his or her body into the crosswalk.

Sorry fellows, that's not good enough!