Businesses Impacted by Controversial Parking Changes on SR-79

New parking regulations along State Route 79 in Descanso, California, have sparked controversy among local business owners. Following months of community pushback, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) implemented changes that have already begun to affect sales for nearby businesses. Owners report a noticeable decline in customer traffic as new no-parking signs line the roadside.

Brett Cooker, the owner of Descanso Junction Restaurant, expressed concern about the impact on his business, stating, “Definitely affecting business. People drive up and see all this and they just kind of keep on going.” Barby Wohlrabe, who runs Heirlooms Goods and Gifts, echoed this sentiment, noting that “sales have plummeted with the tourists.” The changes, which reduced parking spaces significantly—turning six spots into two at Descanso Trading Post—have left many wondering about the rationale behind the decision.

Community Reactions and Safety Concerns

In August, the parking project was paused after intervention from Senator Brian Jones, but businesses were informed just one week before the changes took effect on August 25, 2023. Local residents believe that the reasons behind the modifications have not been clearly communicated. Cooker mentioned that Caltrans contacted him and others to sign an encroachment permit for their existing parking.

Local resident Beth Landrum expressed frustration, recalling her efforts in 2020 to request traffic calming measures. Despite her outreach, it wasn’t until 2023 that Caltrans responded, citing traffic collision records and stating that no additional signs were recommended. “Two years later, this is what you get,” she remarked.

Concerns over safety were amplified by a serious accident in 2021, which led to injuries for two young girls. John Elliott, owner of Descanso Trading Post, reviewed the incident files and noted that the documentation focused primarily on pedestrian safety, not parking issues. He stated, “There is nothing in there about parking. It’s all about Caltrans not taking care of pedestrians in this area.”

Caltrans’ Position

In response to community concerns, Caltrans released a statement explaining that the recent changes were made to comply with state traffic laws regarding parallel parking. The agency emphasized that parking on a state highway shoulder is prohibited except for emergency situations. According to Caltrans, they engaged with community members, business owners, and elected officials to discuss safety improvements and aimed to preserve as much parking as possible.

“People directly impacted in the community feel differently. They’ve really turned their back on the community,” Landrum stated.

Wohlrabe further criticized the changes, highlighting that requests for speed bumps or stop signs were ignored. “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,” she remarked.

Caltrans did acknowledge that the 2021 accident was a factor in the urgency for safety measures along SR-79. As the situation develops, local businesses continue to advocate for solutions that will allow them to thrive while ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.