Changes to parking regulations along State Route 79 in Descanso have sparked controversy among local businesses and residents. Following a decision by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to restrict parking in the area, business owners are expressing concerns about declining sales and community impact.
Newly installed no parking signs have appeared along SR-79, leading to significant reductions in available parking spaces. At Descanso Trading Post, the number of parking spots has decreased from six to two. The owner of Descanso Junction Restaurant, Brett Cooker, noted that the changes have already affected foot traffic. “People drive up and see all this and they just kind of keep on going,” he said.
Within just a week of the parking changes, Barby Wohlrabe, who owns Heirlooms Goods and Gifts, reported a sharp decline in sales. “Sales have plummeted with the tourists,” she stated. The modifications were communicated to business owners with less than a week’s notice on August 25, 2023, following a pause in the project that involved Senator Brian Jones‘s office.
Community members are expressing frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the reasons for the parking changes. “They contacted me and John and said we had to sign an encroachment permit to use our existing parking,” Cooker explained. Resident Beth Landrum also weighed in, recalling her previous efforts to advocate for traffic calming measures, which she felt were ignored. In 2020, she submitted a service request, but it was not until 2023 that Caltrans responded, stating that no additional signage was warranted based on traffic collision records.
In a notable incident in 2021, two young girls suffered serious injuries from an accident on SR-79, prompting legal action against Caltrans regarding highway safety. John Elliott, owner of Descanso Trading Post, emphasized that the focus of these discussions should be on pedestrian safety rather than parking restrictions. “There is nothing in there about parking. It’s all about Caltrans not taking care of pedestrians in this area,” he said.
Caltrans has defended its actions, stating that the recent changes to parking were made in accordance with state traffic laws. In an official statement, Caltrans explained that “parking on a state highway shoulder has never been allowed except for emergency situations and emergency vehicles.” The agency maintained that throughout the process, it engaged with the community, local business owners, and elected officials to explore options that improve safety while minimizing impacts on the community.
Despite Caltrans’ assurances, many in the community feel neglected. Landrum expressed her disappointment, stating, “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.”
Caltrans acknowledged that the 2021 incident played a role in the urgency for safety measures along SR-79. As businesses grapple with the new reality of reduced parking, the ongoing dialogue between community members and state officials is likely to continue as they seek solutions that balance safety and accessibility.
