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Fullerton Council’s late-night push for full Walk On Wilshire closure fails after hours of public comment
Summary
After hours of public comment and staff analysis, a motion to pursue a phased plan for a full permanent pedestrian closure of Wilshire Avenue with a $50,000 initial design allocation failed on a 2–2 roll call; council did not adopt the full-closure resolution and staff said the temporary closure will expire at month’s end if no further action is taken.
A last-minute motion to pursue a full, phased permanent closure of Wilshire Avenue between Malden Avenue and Harbor Boulevard failed late Tuesday night after more than two hours of public comment and lengthy staff presentations.
Council member Zara moved to direct staff to pursue a full closure and to appropriate $50,000 for an initial phase of consultant and design work. The motion drew sustained debate over scope and cost: staff outlined a range of consultant options — from about $40,000 for an initial study up to an estimated $250,000 for full implementation — and said the city must also resolve logistical issues such as refuse collection, utility access and emergency-vehicle access before any permanent change could be implemented.
Public comment was heavily attended. Dozens of residents and business owners spoke. Supporters framed Walk On Wilshire as a community gathering place and economic driver: "Save the whole concept of letting people walk around a bit on Fullerton," said Todd Harrison during public comment. Several speakers, including design professionals and members of an organized Save Walk On Wilshire group, pointed to pedestrian counts and examples from other cities as evidence that a permanent pedestrian zone could succeed.
Opponents — notably some business owners and property managers — warned that a full closure has reduced visibility and access for certain tenants and could harm small businesses that rely on drive-up access. "The current closure of Wilshire Avenue has negatively impacted many of our tenants," said Leila Vitale, property manager for Fullerton Promenade Partners.
When Zara’s motion came to a roll call, the vote was 2–2 (Council member Zara and Mayor Pro Tem Charles voting aye; Council member Valencia and Mayor Jen voting no). Council member Dunlap was recused from the vote due to family ties to a nearby property. City Attorney Barron later reminded the dais that the existing temporary closure authorized in October is set to expire at the end of the month if council takes no further action.
What’s next: Staff said the council retains legislative discretion to revisit a closure decision. If the council does not act before the temporary authorization lapses, the street will revert to vehicle traffic on the expiration date. Staff also recommended further targeted analysis — including refuse routing and additional outreach to impacted property owners — before any permanent decision.
Provenance: Topic introduced SEG 165; public comment begins SEG 420 and continues through SEG 2310; Zara motion and roll call occur SEG 2310–SEG 2866.
Speakers (selected): Sunaina Thomas (Community & Economic Development Director); Steven Bice (Public Works Director); Council member Zara; Council member Dunlap (recused); Council member Valencia; Mayor Jen; Todd Harrison; Leila Vitale.
Topics: Walk On Wilshire; street closure options; public engagement; emergency and refuse access.
Ending: With the motion’s failure and the temporary closure’s pending expiration, the matter remains unresolved: the council can bring the item back for further study or leave the street to reopen under the existing timetable.
