Local Road Safety Committee Discussion Includes Speeding Enforcement Updates, RV Parking Issues, Road Maintenance, and More
Operation Safe Canyons, a committee focused on addressing public safety — including dangerous speeding and traffic issues — in Topanga and on other local canyon roads, held a quarterly meeting on September 19. The committee, convened by the LA County Third District Supervisor’s Office, includes CHP, LA County Sheriff, Department of Public Works, CEO, state representatives, and local community representatives, including the Topanga Town Council. Below are some highlights from the Sept. 19 meeting:
CHP Report:
Officer Casey Ramstead announced the appointment of a new captain and the establishment of a three-person team dedicated to addressing traffic and parking issues, particularly in the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and canyon areas. Their immediate priority is to tackle the RV situation between Coastline and Topanga, after which they will focus on the canyon regions.
Sheriff Report:
Sergeant James Arens shared enforcement statistics from the Safe Canyons initiative, noting that 989 citations were issued last year, with 670 of those for speeding. This year, there have been 30 arrests, along with 30 citations issued in August, and 66 in September. There was also enforcement action against a large group of vehicles in Gelson’s parking lot, and heavy enforcement operations will continue. Night enforcement efforts will target key canyon areas, including Saddle Peak.
DPW Report:
The Department of Public Works reported that reflectors have been installed on the pipe rails along Mulholland. Regular road inspections and checks triggered by earthquakes are ongoing. DPW highlighted the Works App as the quickest method for reporting maintenance issues, noting that 85% of emergency projects in the Santa Monica Mountains have been completed.
Elected Reports:
Sophia Soudani, representing Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, noted that parking restrictions along Tuna Canyon have been implemented in coordination with Public Works and the Sheriff’s Dept. They are also addressing the RV situation on the PCH with updated restrictions and enhanced enforcement. Nick Faries, from Senator Ben Allen’s office, reported that SB 1297 was nearing completion, which will allow for speed cameras along PCH. [UPDATE: On September 27, Governor Gavin Newsom officially signed SB 1297, which will go into effect in January 2025.]
Community Reports:
Among the issues community members raised, was the problem of illegal passing and tailgating on Topanga Canyon Blvd., suggesting the installation of raised lane dividers to prevent crossing over double yellow lines on straightaways. Public Works noted that while raised lane dividers may complicate road maintenance, they are open to considering alternative measures like recessed markers.