Por Redacción
Redaccion@latinocc.com
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved new overnight parking restrictions along a section of Santa Susana Pass Road in the unincorporated area of Simi Valley, citing public safety concerns, fire risks and complaints from nearby residents.
The measure, adopted during the board’s regular meeting on March 3, prohibits parking between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on both sides of Santa Susana Pass Road. The restriction applies to a segment stretching from 220 feet northwest of Katherine Road to 75 feet east of Lilac Lane.
County officials said the rule is intended to address a growing number of vehicles parked overnight in the area, including recreational vehicles, while also allowing parking during daytime hours for visitors using the scenic roadway.
Concerns over encampments, debris and fire risk
The decision follows reports from the California Highway Patrol about an increase in vehicles camping overnight along the hillside road. Residents in the area had also raised concerns about trash accumulation and deteriorating conditions near the roadway.
According to the Ventura County Public Works Agency, staff monitoring the site observed several recreational vehicles parked along the road as well as a buildup of debris. Officials said those conditions could pose a potential fire hazard in the hillside corridor, particularly during California’s dry seasons.
Board Chair Jeff Gorell said community concerns played a major role in the decision.
“Public safety and community input were central to this decision,” Gorell said in a statement. “Residents raised serious concerns about safety, fire risk and conditions along Santa Susana Pass Road, and this action responds to those concerns.”
At the same time, county officials said outreach efforts will continue to assist individuals who may be living in vehicles in the area.
Outreach efforts and enforcement plans
Officials said local outreach teams will continue engaging with people experiencing homelessness and helping connect them with available housing resources and social services.
Fourth District Supervisor Janice Parvin said the new restriction is intended as a balanced response to community concerns while preserving daytime access to the roadway.
“This decision reflects a thoughtful approach to addressing ongoing issues in the Santa Susana Pass area,” Parvin said. “We have heard from residents about safety and environmental impacts, and this measured restriction allows us to mitigate those concerns while preserving appropriate access to the roadway.”
County staff will begin installing signs notifying drivers of the new overnight parking limits. Officials said the cost of signage will be minimal and covered within the county’s existing Road Fund budget.
Enforcement of the new restrictions will be coordinated with the California Highway Patrol.
Residents seeking additional information can contact the Ventura County Public Works Agency Roads & Transportation division at (805) 654-2077.
