LONG BEACH : City Ordered to Keep Access to Street Open

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has blocked the city’s controversial plans to seal off Pioneer Boulevard at the city’s eastern border with Hawaiian Gardens.

Judge Diane Wayne last week granted a preliminary injunction, keeping the street open until the case goes to trial.

The Long Beach City Council in December approved a barrier that would have blocked access to the El Dorado Park Estates in east Long Beach after traffic studies showed that residential streets were being overused, probably by commuters seeking access to the San Gabriel River Freeway (605).

Hawaiian Gardens officials filed suit, charging that the planned street barricade is a racist move intended to keep lower-income, mostly minority motorists out of the more affluent El Dorado area. Long Beach officials have denied the allegation.

Tamar C. Stein, an attorney representing Hawaiian Gardens, called the ruling a major victory for the city. “This is a David and Goliath situation, and so far I’m glad to say David is winning,” she said.

Stein said she is planning to ask Wayne to set a May trial date.