Controversial Parking Changes Impact Descanso Businesses Along SR-79

Changes to parking regulations along State Route 79 in Descanso have sparked controversy among local businesses, which are already reporting a decline in customer traffic. After months of discussions and local pushback, new parking restrictions took effect on August 25, 2023, leading to immediate concerns from business owners regarding their sales and visibility.

Brett Cooker, owner of Descanso Junction Restaurant, expressed frustration over the new regulations. “Definitely affecting business. People drive up and see all this and they just kind of keep on going,” he noted. The sentiment was echoed by Barby Wohlrabe, owner of Heirlooms Goods and Gifts, who reported a significant drop in sales, particularly among tourists.

The changes have resulted in the installation of no parking signs along the highway. Reports indicate that what were once six parking spots in front of the Descanso Trading Post have been reduced to just two, while a total of six spots remain out of 27 in front of Descanso Junction.

In August, the project faced a temporary halt after intervention from Senator Brian Jones, but business owners were informed just a week prior to the changes that they were set to proceed. Locals have criticized Caltrans for a lack of clarity regarding the reasons for the adjustments. According to Cooker, Caltrans required businesses to sign an encroachment permit to utilize their existing parking.

Local resident Beth Landrum, who previously filed a service request for traffic calming measures in 2020, expressed disappointment over the slow response from Caltrans. “Two years later, this is what you get,” she remarked, highlighting a perceived disconnect between community needs and state action.

The situation escalated following a 2021 accident on SR-79, which resulted in serious injuries to two young girls and subsequent legal action against Caltrans concerning safety measures on the highway. John Elliott, owner of the Descanso Trading Post, reviewed documentation related to the incident and pointed out that it primarily addressed pedestrian safety rather than parking issues.

In an official statement, Caltrans explained that the recent changes were made to comply 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,” the statement read. They emphasized that throughout the process, they communicated with community members, business owners, and elected officials to explore options that improve safety while minimizing impacts on local businesses.

Despite these assurances, community members remain frustrated. “They’ve really turned their back on the community,” Landrum stated. 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 addressing concerns about the 2021 incident, Caltrans acknowledged that it contributed to the urgency for implementing safety measures along SR-79. As discussions continue, local businesses are left to navigate the immediate impacts of these parking changes, emphasizing the need for clearer communication and more effective safety solutions.