New Angled Back-In Parking Spots on Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills Spark Controversy
Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills now features a unique parking system that has both its critics and supporters. However, adjusting to the new parking format has proven to be a challenge for many drivers in the area. Recent observations show that customers of the local mom-and-pop shops are struggling to adapt. Some have caused traffic disruptions as they attempted to park by reversing in, while others spent significant time circling the block before finding a parking spot.
During a recent visit, 85-year-old attorney Glenn Hayden was seen furrowing his brow as he drove along Ventura Boulevard. To drop off a typewriter for repair at Woodland Hills’ Business Machines Center, Hayden spent 10 seconds idling in traffic outside the shop, carefully scanning the rearview mirror and the available parking slots ahead. Eventually, he decided to pull forward and take up four vacant parking spaces with his 2007 Lexus ES 350. Afterward, he turned the car 90 degrees and reversed into the parking spot. Hayden admitted, “I’m just glad there were no other cars around.”
The newly painted angled parking spots are accompanied by signs instructing drivers to back into the spots. This change has created additional parking spaces for customers, a significant development in a city like Los Angeles where parking is both a competitive sport and a contentious issue. From restrictive permits and confusing signs to high citation prices and battles over parking spaces, parking-related matters have always been a hot-button topic. Even a small change like the introduction of reverse diagonal parking along a half-mile stretch of Ventura Boulevard has ignited debates among customers, store owners, and community advocates.
Salon owner Tara Barker, 33, who runs Mane Idol just one block away from Business Machines Center, expressed her support for the new parking spaces. She mentioned that she can now park across the street from her shop, allowing more availability for others. However, she acknowledged that some of her clients have complained about the complexity of reversing into parking spots.
The installation of the back-in angled parking spots on Ventura Boulevard between Ponce and Fallbrook avenues and Royer Avenue and Rigoletto Street has been met with mixed reactions. While some business owners are thrilled about the increased parking options, others have reported client frustrations and the potential loss of business. The removal of parking meters during the renovation is currently underway as they are set to be reinstalled.
David Kaye, owner of a local bookstore, has had a front-row seat to the chaos that has ensued since the parking change. From his vantage point behind the front blinds of his store, Kaye has witnessed numerous drivers struggling to navigate the new parking system. He shared an anecdote about a confused driver who circled the block six times before abandoning their attempt to park. Fortunately, most of Kaye’s clients make appointments in advance and are aware of the parking situation in the store’s back lot.
Kaye believes that many other store owners were unaware of the changes along Ventura Boulevard. He stated, “For most, the change came as a surprise.” Several other business owners and managers echoed this sentiment, claiming that they were blindsided and felt there was a lack of communication regarding the parking changes.
However, the switch to reverse diagonal parking has been in the works for several years. The idea was initially conceived in 2015 when Scott Silverstein, a former member of the Woodland Hills Warner Center Neighborhood Council, drove through Lancaster’s “The BLVD” district. He was inspired by the parking setup he observed there and recognized the potential for revitalizing Ventura Boulevard. Silverstein collaborated with Dennis DiBiase, an architect and Woodland Hills resident, to develop a plan that included reverse diagonal parking and area refurbishment.
Silverstein and DiBiase presented their proposal to Bob Blumenfield, the Los Angeles City Councilmember representing Woodland Hills. Initially skeptical, Blumenfield eventually organized a community gathering in November 2016 to discuss the idea. This marked the beginning of a comprehensive planning process, involving workshops and reports released over several years. In April 2021, the City Council approved $1.5 million for the first phase of the project as part of the Reimagine Ventura Boulevard plan.
Blumenfield, responding to criticism about the lack of community input, emphasized that extensive engagement efforts were made throughout the planning process. He personally conducted business outreach, organized community events, and hosted virtual town halls to gather suggestions and keep stakeholders informed. Blumenfield defended the project, stating, “There’s been a very robust engagement process for this project,” adding that it surpassed the level of outreach typically seen for similar projects.
Despite the efforts to inform the community, some business owners like Steve Dozier from Wheel World feel left in the dark. Dozier, who has managed the store for over 30 years, claimed to have received no communication about the parking changes. According to Dozier, the elimination of the center turn lane on Ventura Boulevard has disrupted his and his employees’ ability to travel west on the thoroughfare. Additionally, the reduced space near the store’s entrance has made it more challenging for customers to turn into the parking lot. This situation has led Dozier and his employee, Noah Barbush, to believe that business has slowed down as a result.
Business Machines Center owner Ray Wargnier had similar observations, noting an increase in close calls near his shop. He mentioned that accidents were not uncommon with the previous parking arrangement, but the new setup has introduced a more dangerous situation with drivers crossing double yellow lines to reach businesses on the other side. Wargnier, who has been on Ventura Boulevard for seven years, shared his concerns about the safety implications of these changes.
While the introduction of reverse diagonal parking on Ventura Boulevard has sparked debate and faced some resistance, it is part of a larger revitalization plan to transform the area into a vibrant “small town Main Street” for Woodland Hills. Councilmember Blumenfield aims to create a similar atmosphere to neighboring communities such as Sherman Oaks and Tarzana. In addition to the parking changes, the plan includes planting trees, adding landscaping, and improving crosswalks with enhanced features like curb extensions, flashing lights, and painted lines at major intersections.
Despite the initial challenges and controversies, the hope is that this transformation will ultimately benefit the community by providing more parking options and creating a safer environment for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
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