In Descanso, California, new parking restrictions along State Route 79 have sparked strong reactions from local business owners, who report significant declines in customer traffic. The changes, implemented on August 25, 2023, were met with considerable pushback from the community, but Caltrans proceeded with the modifications, citing safety concerns.
Local Businesses React to Traffic Changes
Brett Cooker, owner of Descanso Junction Restaurant, expressed frustration over the new restrictions, stating that the changes have led to a noticeable drop in business. “People drive up and see all this and they just kind of keep on going,” he remarked. Another business owner, Barby Wohlrabe of Heirlooms Goods and Gifts, shared similar sentiments, noting that “sales have plummeted with the tourists” following the installation of the new parking signs.
The revised parking layout has reduced available spaces significantly. At the Descanso Trading Post, the number of parking spots has decreased from six to two, while Descanso Junction retains only six out of its previous 27 spots. These alterations have raised concerns about accessibility for both residents and visitors.
Community Frustration and Safety Concerns
Local residents have voiced their dissatisfaction with Caltrans’ decision-making process. In August 2023, the project was temporarily halted after intervention from Senator Brian Jones, but businesses were informed of the impending changes with just one week’s notice. “The reason has never been clear from Caltrans,” Cooker stated, highlighting the lack of transparency throughout the process.
Community member Beth Landrum noted that her efforts to improve safety measures along SR-79 date back to 2020, when she filed a service request for traffic calming measures. “Two years later, this is what you get,” she lamented, referring to Caltrans’ delayed response. Following a serious accident in 2021, which left two young girls injured, Landrum has continued to push for improvements in pedestrian safety.
John Elliott, owner of Descanso Trading Post, pointed out that the focus on parking fails to address the broader issues of pedestrian safety in the area. “There is nothing in there about parking. It’s all about Caltrans not taking care of pedestrians in this area,” he explained.
Despite the backlash, Caltrans maintains that the changes were necessary. A spokesperson for the agency stated, “Caltrans recently restriped the area in front of the Descanso junction businesses to parallel parking in accordance with state traffic laws.” The agency emphasized that parking on a state highway shoulder is not permitted except for emergencies.
Local residents feel that alternative solutions, such as speed bumps or stop signs, would have been more beneficial for community safety. “They’ve really turned their back on the community,” Landrum remarked. As the situation unfolds, businesses along SR-79 continue to grapple with the impacts of these parking changes, leaving many uncertain about the future.
Caltrans acknowledged the 2021 accident as a contributing factor to the urgency of implementing safety measures along the highway. As discussions about potential solutions continue, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes both safety and local business viability.
