Residents tell Calabasas council to pause roundabout plans, cite evacuation and maintenance worries

Several Calabasas residents used the city’s Feb. 25 public‑comment period to press councilmembers to delay or redesign the planned roundabout at Calabasas Road and Yucca Road, arguing the project could create evacuation hazards and long‑term maintenance burdens.

Joe Choco, a long‑time resident, said the city has not provided sufficient outreach or driver education ahead of construction and asked the council to adopt a "big‑picture approach" that evaluates emergency‑evacuation behavior. He cited the 2018 Woolsey Fire and the Kenneth Fire, saying those incidents produced gridlock that left some residents trapped when access to the 101 was blocked.

"During a major fire event ... residents were trapped," Choco told councilmembers, and he urged the city to "create and implement a robust outreach and education program." He also requested a cross‑departmental process for vetting projects that affect public safety and transportation.

Michael Harrison said extending the sidewalk and other changes would serve "approximately zero pedestrians a year" and characterized the project as a fiscal misstep, calling it a "$6.5 million budget‑busting boondoggle." He urged the council to reconsider the proposal and look instead at lower‑cost traffic improvements funded through Measure M.

Staff replied that the item will return for further council consideration and that additional public comment will be accepted at that time. Council did not take action on the project that evening.