Descanso business owners say Caltrans parking plan could impact foot traffic

DESCANSO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Business owners in the small community of Descanso are pushing back against a proposed plan from Caltrans that would remove shoulder parking along State Route 79, spaces they say are critical for their businesses survival.

Caltrans says the move is part of an effort to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians. But for restaurant and shop owners, the plan could mean losing customers.

"Descanso means a place of rest, and that’s kind of what it is to me,” said Brett Cooker, owner of the local restaurant Descanso Junction. “It’s a very peaceful area, great people, great community

Cooker says he only recently found out that Caltrans was planning on removing those spots last week.

“We have no place for customers,” he said. “All these businesses are going to go out of business. It’s kind of sad.”

Caltrans told business owners it’s considering eliminating parking along the highway’s shoulders to reduce safety risks. Local owners argue the change would leave customers with nowhere to park and no reason to stop in Descanso.

John Elliot, owner of the Descanso Trading Post, echoed those concerns and said a compromise is needed.

"I will say this, there was never been an accident with anybody pulling in and out of this building. I got 30 to 40 years of CHP reports, it's just not happened," he said.

For now, the plan is on pause. Several local business owners say State Sen. Brian Jones reached out to Caltrans and urged them to delay the decision, but it’s unclear how long that pause will last or what alternatives might be considered.

As for Cooker, he says he will have to spend thousands of dollars to expand space behind his restaurant to add more parking spots.

Caltrans did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.