City seeks solution for Lassen traffic
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

City officials encountered a roadblock of opposition when they considered closing a popular shortcut used by drivers to get in and out of the Mission Bell Plaza shopping center north of Los Angeles Avenue.

The Council explored options to alleviate traffic problems in the 80-home Moorpark Estates neighborhood nestled between Los Angeles and Poindexter avenues. The discussion came about in response to excessive through traffic and speeding concerns expressed by some residents.

But none of those people showed up at the meeting last week, so officials only heard from a small group of individuals who oppose closure of the an access way between Lassen Avenue and the adjacent shopping center.

Recent traffic counts revealed that about 50 percent of the drivers who use the small road north of the shopping center don't live in the area. Many drivers opt to use surface roads, including Lassen, Sierra and Shasta avenues, to avoid Los Angeles Avenue, said Yugal Lall, city engineer.

Some motorists also drive on the small residential roads to pick up and drop off children at Chaparral Middle School.

However, the idea to install barriers that prevent drivers from using Lassen Avenue when they exit the shopping center didn't gain support from the speakers in attendance. "Closing Lassen is not going to work," said Lupe Gonzales.

So city officials directed city employees to conduct a study to determine if a traffic light is warranted to protect traffic at the intersection of Shasta and Los Angeles avenues.

So far, studies show there is not enough traffic to compel the California Department of Transportation to install a light at the intersection, said Lall.

City officials agreed that closing access now will only serve to redirect traffic elsewhere in the neighborhood because people want to avoid the busy Highway 118.

"Traffic is like water- it takes the path of least resistance," said Councilmember Keith Millhouse, who maintains that a light should be installed at Shasta and L.A. avenues.

At the end of the discussions, the Council voted to continue evaluating the traffic situation in the Moorpark Estates. No changes will be made for now.