After years of grassroots organizing and community persistence, Midtown neighbors are celebrating a major victory for pedestrian safety: the long-requested HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk) signal at Pershing Avenue and Rose Street will officially be activated Wednesday, November 19 at 11 AM.
Located at the entrance of Victory Park and the Haggin Museum, this busy stretch of Pershing has been a long-standing safety concern for pedestrians, families, joggers, museum visitors, and park-goers. Residents have called for improvements since 2019, urging the City of Stockton to treat the area with the same care and caution as a school zone — a place where slowing traffic can save lives.
Now, thanks to community advocacy and the City’s commitment to traffic-calming solutions, Midtown is celebrating a milestone years in the making.
A Big Win for Midtown Safety
While the neighborhood continues to push for a complete streets redesign — including a proposed roundabout and broader improvements to Pershing Avenue — the new HAWK signal represents meaningful progress.
“This is a huge step toward creating a safer, more walkable Midtown,” neighbors say. “It shows what can happen when the community speaks up and stays engaged.”
Learn How the New Signal Works
The HAWK beacon is the first of its kind on Pershing Avenue. City officials and traffic engineers will be on site during the activation to show residents how the signal operates, how drivers should respond, and why this particular type of crosswalk is especially effective at reducing collisions.
The event also gives neighbors a chance to connect, celebrate collective action, and continue the conversation about future safety improvements in the area.
Community Celebration – All Are Welcome
📅 Wednesday, November 19, 11:00 AM
📍 Pershing Avenue & Rose Street (Entrance to Victory Park / Haggin Museum)
Residents are encouraged to come out, learn about the new safety tool, show support for safer streets, and share the win with friends, neighbors, and fellow park-goers