Topanga Canyon operators are devastated by the news that an already lengthy road closure will continue through at least the fall due to a major disaster. Number of landslides within the area.
This closure has already been in place on Topanga Canyon Boulevard for several weeks, severely impacting the potential flow of business through the area and leaving store owners and restaurants desperate.
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“This is absolutely shocking news,” said Colin Levine, who owns a shop in the area that sells handmade furniture, decorations and crystal. Since her closure, she says her business has nearly halved.
Enrico Busto, owner of Busto & Son Custom Hats, says the situation is even worse for them, with numbers showing a 70 to 80 percent drop in sales compared to normal.
“We made the decision to open at the worst of the pandemic, in October 2020, and now the closures are causing more damage than the pandemic itself,” Busto said.
first landslide Hit in early March Amid heavy rain, Cal Trans officials said there are no plans to reopen the road due to an immediate threat that could keep the road open for weeks to come.
They say more than 9 million pounds of dirt and debris must be removed, and water that continues to seep into the area from underground continues to destabilize the area.
To bring attention back to the area and draw people to their stores, business owners are planning a biweekly event called “Visit Topanga Canyon,” which will feature live music and other entertainment. be exposed. They are currently distributing flyers to highlight what's in the area and creating a map to help direct visitors to the store by alternative routes.
“They have to go through very windy roads, but we say, 'We're here, we're open,'” Levine said. “Please come visit our store and support us.”
One local man who has lived in the area for 25 years says city and state leaders need to work to save businesses and repair roads faster.
“For me it's very political,” Val Garai said. “Cal Trans is a typical company that is held back by not paying their salaries. It's pathetic that they dedicate their lives to Topanga's business and leave behind people who won't do anything to help. …Give them money, do something, but don't just sit here and leave it until there's no one left.”
On Saturday, state and local officials toured the region to see what can be done to reopen sooner.
“Reopening Topanga Canyon Boulevard safely and quickly is an urgent priority,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsay Horvath. “CalTrans contractors shared with us the steps they will take to stabilize the slide, remove material from the roadway, and reopen this critical access point.”
Horvath was also joined by Representative Jackie Irwin, California Department of Transportation Secretary Tokus Omishakin, and California Department of Transportation District 7 Director Gloria Roberts.
“We urge them to act as quickly as possible while ensuring the safety of our crew,” Horvath continued. “And given our ever-changing climate realities, we are doing this urgently now while also planning for the future. We are committed to our goal of accelerating safe reopening. We share a commitment to bringing in the best experts and making adjustments every week.”
