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WATSONVILLE, Calif. -- Students were walking home after a day of summer school Tuesday afternoon, and they may notice some changes as they walk back on the first day of school in the fall.
The city of Watsonville, among other Central Coast cities, received a Caltrans grant to upgrade infrastructure like crosswalks, curb ramps, signs and pavement markings outside schools. It's part of the "Safe Routes to School Program," from which the city received $305,000.
That means 13 schools and 34 intersections across the city will be improved, said Maria Esther Rodriguez, principal engineer for the city of Watsonville.
Mintie White School is on the list -- and for good reason. All of its students walk or bike to school, and Bertha Torres, principal at Mintie White, said these upgrades will have a major impact on quality of life and school spirit.
"This is their playground," she explained. "When we have safe streets and beautifully looking streets, that really makes a difference in the way they perceive the community."
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District recently approved sending a $150 million bond measure to voters in November. Torres said she hopes the improvements on the streets outside will be the first step towards upgrading area schools.
