We would like to join the Las Flores, Malibu area residents who are questioning the alleged “privatization” of Gorge Road. We have lived on adjacent Rambla Pacifico since 1973 and never thought of Gorge Road as a private road. It was surprising to see a sign labeling it as such recently and to be challenged by local residents as to our right to walk along the road and the stream.
Through the years we have learned to cope with the ongoing landslides, fires and road closures typical of the area. Gorge Road has been an important alternate roadway when the primary exit from the hills via Las Flores Canyon Road was impassable.
While Gorge Road is not suitable for heavy, two-way traffic, it certainly has been a lifeline for emergency egress through the years. We have written our city, county and state representatives to encourage the authorities to negotiate an agreement whereby Gorge Road could at least be used when passage on Las Flores Canyon Road is blocked. There are over a hundred families who depend upon Las Flores Canyon Road as their exit from the area to Pacific Coast Highway and we believe it is untenable to condemn them to a detour of many miles of hazardous driving when Las Flores Canyon Road is impassable.
Sally and Ron Munro