Piedmont Crossing Guard COVID-19 Relief Fund

Thank you all for your incredible response.  We have reached far beyond our goal and this will be a wonderful amount to send to our valued crossing guards.  We will leave this page up so we can post updates as funds are gifted to the individuals.  Thank you again for your generosity and kindness!

As you all know, Piedmont schools are closed for the remainder of the school year. While school staff will continue to be paid by the district, our school crossing guards, as non-school employees, will not.

Join us in supporting these cherished members of our community during this time of crisis. These brave men and women have ensured that our children get to school and back safely every day of the school year.

Please contribute as generously as your circumstances will allow.  All funds collected will be distributed equally to each of the crossing guards. 

*Note-Fundraising goal amount is intended to make up for salary missed over the durationof distance learning.


Our Crossing Guards in Piedmont

Lawrence Harvey
Highland Ave. in front of Havens
Started this school year
Retired, former Richmond police officer and Highland Hospital security guard
“This gives me something to do, meet nice people and be productive. I get more thank you’s in one day than I did a whole year [as an officer and guard]. It is just incredible.”

Anthony Roux
Oakland Ave. and Grand Ave.
Crossing guard for four years
Worked as nurse at Kaiser Permanente for 32 years
Commutes from Modesto, also works at in-home care in Oakland
“The parents and kids make my day,” he says. Of the Oakland and Grand Avenues intersection, Roux says: “It’s the most dangerous intersection. I’d estimate about 20 people run red lights a week. Tell your kids to be careful when I’m not here – have officers start writing tickets. They need to have more law enforcement here. Just because you live in Piedmont doesn’t give you special privileges to speed.”

Arthur Ward
Linda Ave. and Lake Ave.
Crossing guard for 8 years
You’ll see him tipping his hat to all, bumping fists with students and holding a hand to his heart as Piedmonters hustle to beat the opening bell. Arthur Ward is long time crossing guard for the Beach Elementary community. He will be retiring in June
“I’m going to miss the people,” he says; “they’ve been so nice to me. On the weekends I spend time with family, but I look forward to coming to my job on Monday. It just shows you to not look for something great to happen – just do your job. I’ll be 80 [years old] this year and if I’m able to show love to anybody, it’ll come back to ya.” (Ward was honored by the City Council this past May.)

Roderick White
Magnolia Avenue between MHS and PHS
Crossing guard since August
Semi-retired
Former non-emergency medical driver
“I like interacting with pedestrians and drivers. This is the normal routine and exercise that I need. I get to serve the community and help keep the students safe. Safety is priority #1 for us.”

Win Williams
Magnolia Ave. and Bonita Ave.
Crossing guard since August
Retired Ford Motor Company employee, former music teacher
“What I enjoy about my job is the children. I get the opportunity to greet them and say ‘Good morning’ and ‘Have a great day.’ I believe that’s very important for children to hear in the morning. They might not get that at home so it’s really good to encourage them to enjoy their day. I always ask students with instruments what they play and for how long. I’m happy to see these children grow and I just pray that they’re headed in the right direction.”

Jim Goularte
Oakland and Highland Ave
Crossing guard for two years
Apartment manager for 33 years
“I like taking care of the kids. People are really nice to you.”

Robert Lawson
Oakland and Highland Ave
Crossing guard for four years
Former Oakland mailman for 36 years
“The kids show you so much love. I’m looking forward to knowing the new kids. I’m always meeting different people from different countries.”

Carole Musgrave
Oakland and El Cerrito
Crossing guard for over three years
“I love the people, the kids and the dogs. My favorite dog is a corgi named Spam. There’s also a standard poodle that I call the Mayor of Town because he walks around like he owns the place. I get to wave at cars, but I also have to dodge them too.”

(Bios courtesy of Piedmont Exedra https://piedmontexedra.com/2019/08/meet-piedmonts-school-crossing-guards)