CALABASAS : Controversial Traffic Barrier to Remain

Putting traffic safety first, the Calabasas City Council voted to maintain a temporary barrier that has divided a housing tract both physically and emotionally.

After a 3 1/2-hour public hearing Wednesday night, the council unanimously bowed to the concerns of residents of the lower half of Parkmor Road, who said a barrier at the upper end of their half-mile street has made their neighborhood safer during the past two months.

But in an attempt to mollify disgruntled residents of the upper half of the Malibu Canyon tract, who complain that their streets have become more crowded and that they must drive farther because of the barricade, the council agreed to consider stop signs, speed limits and other regulations to help control the displaced traffic.

The issue came to a head after the council agreed March 31 to stop through traffic on the hilly residential street east of Las Virgenes Road and north of the Ventura Freeway for a 60-day trial period. Residents had complained that about than 40 children were being endangered by traffic.

More than 100 residents for and against the barrier crowded into the Las Virgenes Unified School District boardroom for the council meeting, which was moved from the smaller City Hall chamber. About 50 testified, at times interrupted by applause or jeers.

At one point, the heckling grew so fierce that Mayor Marvin Lopata banged his gavel and told the audience that they were acting like schoolchildren.

The council directed city staff to further explore issues raised at the meeting.