The SBCAG today voted unanimously to recommend that Caltrans move forward with their construction of a permanent barrier on the Cold Spring Arch Bridge. Many people obviously worked very hard to make this happen and it was an inspiration to see Matt’s mother, my Aunt Karen, deliver her incredibly moving and powerful speech despite extremely difficult circumstances. More than anything else, I think that her words made it clear to everyone with a conscience that the cost to all of us if this project were abandoned would be unbearable. Special thanks should also go to my sister, Jenny, for the highly effective organization of her exceptional research at stopthetragedy.org and her great idea to set up what turned out to be an exceedingly successful petition, amassing an impressive 290 signatures in just one week.
I was extremely moved by the testimony given by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Bill Brown’s presentation made it painfully clear that the lack of a barrier at this bridge poses a continuing threat to the physical and psychological well-being of local safety personnel. This point was of crucial importance to one SBCAG member who voted in favor of the barrier for solely this reason. Dr. Lisa Firestone of The Glendon Association debunked false arguments made by opponents of the barrier and also showed video testimony by Kevin Hines, a survivor of a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge and living proof that most people who attempt suicide by jumping are seeking a permanent solution to a temporary problem and deserve the chance to take a different course of action.
Congratulations to everyone. It is such a huge relief to know that something will be done to prevent more people from being lost to this bridge.
In Memory of Matt Aydelott 
Well done to everyone for this wonderful result. I watched the hearing on live webcam and was overwhelmed by the powerful presentations given by all of the supporters of the barrier. Karen’s speech in particular was an absolute tour de force, and managed convey the essence of Matt as a person, the devastating impact of his loss, and the necessity of the barrier as a means to prevent future tragedy – and all this in only two minutes. Karen also arranged for copies of the petition to be circulated to all members of the SBCAG board in advance of the hearing, so the hundreds of signatures and comments contributed by all of you who took part could have an immediate influence on the outcome. Thank you to everyone who has signed so far, and to all those who spoke at the hearing and sent letters to board members – you have made a real difference, and the outpouring of support is a moving tribute to Matt’s memory.
This morning I forwarded a link to the petition to Caltrans District 5, and informed them that I will be keeping the petition site active until the construction of the barrier has been completed, as an indication of the continuing public endorsement of the project both in the local area and nationwide. Please continue to circulate the information to anyone who might want to help.
Congratulations to everyone for helping to make something positive come out of this tragedy.
Sad news today.
http://www.independent.com/news/2008/nov/06/another-cold-spring-bridge-suicide/