Traffic Woes Plague Us All

Well-to-do hillside residents have declared war upon plebeian commuters who dare use the sacred streets of Encino and Studio City as a shortcut to work. In breaking free of the stranded herds on overburdened freeways, these maverick motorists have brought harsh reality into the lives of those who thought that money could buy a pseudo-private sanctuary, unmolested by rushhour traffic.

Recent events indicate that their money and influence will purchase the speed bumps and blockades needed to slow and divert the masses. Unfortunately, planners, supervisors and council members have never shown such concern for the residents on the Valley floor.

When we purchased our home 30 years ago, it faced a two-lane road. Opposite was a farm, complete with barn, livestock and barley fields that stretched to the horizon.

Today, that small road is a monster called Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The city never supplied us with noise-suppressing walls or vegetation. The recently approved Warner Center expansion and Porter Ranch development will make life unbearable.

It is appalling that the bureaucrats who contributed to our plight rush to the aid of affluent hillside dwellers. So, three cheers to those intrepid Studio City residents who have attained their coveted speed bumps. I raise a shaking glass (a caravan of trucks is passing) to your continued success in circumventing the traffic woes many of us have had to grin and bear.

RON VARTIAN

Canoga Park