Survivors of recent bushfires are expressing frustration over plans that may force new housing developments along their sole escape route in the event of future wildfires.
In Agoura Hills, over 1,600 apartments are slated to be constructed along Canaan Road, which is situated in a narrow canyon near the Santa Monica Mountains.
The 2018 Woolsey Fire resulted in the destruction of countless homes, ravaged around 97,000 acres, and tragically claimed three lives.
Residents have shared harrowing experiences, reporting that it took them 80 minutes to cover just one mile on one of the two evacuation routes. Yet, this very road is now targeted for new development.
“People were stuck for what felt like an eternity during the evacuation,” noted Ray Grulich, a 74-year-old local activist. “There were a substantial number of cars behind them—about 2,000 vehicles documented by the city, stretching a good five miles in traffic.”
Grulich joined around 50 others protesting along that road, labeling the development plan as hazardous.
“Don’t corner us,” one protestor shouted. “This plan is lethal!”
The housing initiative comes under a state mandate championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, aiming to promote higher-density development that accommodates low-income and homeless residents.
As part of this approach, Sacramento is easing previous development restrictions and adopting a more thoughtful strategy when considering new projects. This includes expanding regulations that prioritize public land for affordable housing, which allows smaller developments to proceed without comprehensive environmental assessments, including considerations of traffic impacts. Already, over 200 homes have been established close to where protests took place.
Another 230 homes are proposed for the very area of the protest, leading to a total of around 1,600 units planned for the corridor.
“This is our lifeline,” Grulich emphasized, reflecting on their collective concern for maintaining safe evacuation routes since the fires in 2018, and highlighting the purpose of their current demonstrations.
Jasina, a 57-year-old resident, recounted the chaos during past evacuations, stating, “The roads were a mess. Evacuating was tough. We were rerouted as fire approached, only to be met with more flames.” This intense traffic could become even more problematic with high-density housing exacerbating the situation.
As she pointed out, “The same intersection already runs into significant congestion. Increasing the number of homes here will only intensify the existing pressure.”
In 2021, the city identified 20 residential sites, most of which are conveniently located south of Highway 101 and notably impact the Canaan Road area. While she recognizes California’s need for affordable housing, her primary concern lies with the locations of these new constructions and ensuring the safety of those evacuating.
“If evacuation routes are already struggling, adding more homes will heighten the risk,” she noted.
Canaan Road isn’t just a local thoroughfare; it serves as one of five designated evacuation routes during wildfire emergencies. On average, about 25,000 vehicles use the road daily. Residents fear that a fire outbreak could lead to chaotic and life-threatening situations, similar to what Kevin Cross experienced.
Cross relayed that during a past evacuation, his vehicle became trapped in flames, with the once short drive stretching indefinitely. “It was really dire,” he recounted. “The police were trying to assist, yet fire response vehicles couldn’t navigate through the traffic because only one lane was available.”
He stressed that the magnitude of the housing project should evoke concern. “We’re talking about 1,600 units here—all using the same road. If everyone is trying to evacuate, emergency services won’t be able to enter.”
Cross lamented the lack of community consultation regarding this housing plan: “We weren’t part of the conversation, and that’s the most alarming aspect.”
The local newspaper reached out to the office of Supervisor Lindsay Horvath for further commentary on the matter.
