Don’t Limit Access to Runyon Canyon

I am amazed that The Times has not found the time to report on the impending closure of the Vista Street entrance to Runyon Canyon in Hollywood. This action is being taken without any public input and will have a terrible impact on the visitors as well as the many people living around the Fuller Avenue gate who will now have to contend with the traffic that Vista Street currently handles.

The issue is not just convenience. What happens if there is a fire in the canyon? Are those who may find themselves cut off from the one exit expected to just deal with it, simply for the convenience of the upscale homeowners who have instructed the city to make this change--a change that is taking effect in spite of the impact on so many others? Many of the complaints about park visitors and their dogs are valid and, as a dog owner, I am embarrassed by the behavior I see almost every day. But the solution is not to start shutting down access. The solution is to make a real effort to enforce the laws and regulations. If the city tried that with any real sincerity we would probably all be a lot happier.

Bruce Bridges

Los Angeles