Local Businesses React to Controversial Parking Changes on SR-79

Local businesses in Descanso, California, are expressing significant concern following recent parking changes along State Route 79, implemented by Caltrans. These alterations, which include the installation of new no parking signs, have reportedly already begun to impact sales and foot traffic in the area.

Brett Cooker, owner of Descanso Junction Restaurant, stated, “Definitely affecting business. People drive up and see all this and they just kind of keep on going.” Similarly, Barby Wohlrabe, owner of Heirlooms Goods and Gifts, noted that “sales have plummeted with the tourists” since the changes were enacted.

The new parking configuration has reduced available spots significantly. Where there were once six parking spaces in front of the Descanso Trading Post, only two remain. At the Descanso Junction Restaurant, the number of spots has decreased from 27 to six. These adjustments come after a pause in the project in August, following intervention from Senator Brian Jones, but businesses were informed of the impending changes only a week prior, on August 25, 2023.

Residents and business owners have expressed confusion regarding the rationale behind these modifications. Cooker recounted how he and his business partner were approached to sign an encroachment permit to continue using their existing parking. Local resident Beth Landrum, who has a history with Caltrans, criticized the agency’s responsiveness, stating, “As a former employee, I know there are other options available.”

In 2020, Landrum had filed a service request for traffic calming measures, but received a response only in 2023 stating that no additional signs were warranted based on traffic collision records. She remarked, “Two years later, this is what you get.”

The issue of safety along SR-79 has been underscored by a serious accident in 2021, where two young girls suffered severe injuries, leading to a lawsuit against Caltrans regarding the safety of the highway. John Elliott, owner of Descanso Trading Post, examined the agency’s files and found a lack of documentation addressing parking concerns, emphasizing that the records pertained more to pedestrian safety.

In a statement, Caltrans explained, “Caltrans recently restriped the area in front of the Descanso junction businesses to parallel parking in accordance with state traffic laws. For the safety of the public, parking on a state highway shoulder has never been allowed except for emergency situations and emergency vehicles.” They further highlighted their communication with the community and efforts to mitigate impacts on local businesses while preserving parking where possible.

Despite Caltrans’ assurances, many in the community feel neglected. Landrum expressed a sentiment shared by others: “They’ve really turned their back on the community.” Wohlrabe added, “We have been trying to ask for speed bumps, for stop signs, anything that would help the traffic to slow down and it seems so simple, but the no parking is definitely not the way to go.”

In response to inquiries regarding the 2021 accident, Caltrans acknowledged its role in creating a sense of urgency for safety measures along SR-79. However, the community remains divided over the effectiveness of the current parking changes and their impact on local businesses. As these adjustments take hold, the long-term effects on both safety and commerce in Descanso are yet to be fully realized.