A new traffic signal will be installed two miles from campus as a safety precaution; others expect delays.
RICHARD NAVA
News Assistant
The residents of Malibu have always been assured by the city’s vision statement that declares that the beauty of the area will never be compromised, even if suburban conveniences must be sacrificed. This is called into question, however, when that commitment may place human lives in danger.
The intersection of Corral Canyon and Pacific Coast Highway, about two miles north of campus, has long been a place for numerous car accidents and injuries.
The intersection is located near the 76 station on PCH, frequented by students and staff.
According to several of the local residents, accidents occur because a stoplight is missing at the intersection.
Malibu resident Theresa Tuchman is in favor of the new stop light. The number of accidents which have occurred over the last several years has horrified her, she said. Tuchman has lived in the area for 10 years, seven of which she worked from home near the intersection.
“After a while you almost become numb to all of the accidents going on around you,” Tuchman said. “I don’t see how anyone could go on and continue to let these things happen.”
Tuchman said the incident which finally pushed her over the edge was that of a neighbor who had to be airlifted off of his property after being hit by a truck turning onto PCH from Corral Canyon Road.
Not all residents, however, are in agreement over the new stop light. Scott Palamar said he is very much opposed to it. He reiterates that he believes the city of Malibu is being hypocritical and violating its vision statement by allowing the stop light to be built, because it allows unnecessary development.
But Palamar has not always held this opinion.
“People here think ‘oh it’s dangerous, let’s put a traffic signal in.’ That’s where I was two years ago,” Palamar said. Palamar said he feels the addition of a light would add to the traffic problems on PCH.
Pepperdine faculty, staff and students seem to be as equally divided on the issue as the rest of the Malibu residents.
“If the traffic signal is going to help save lives, than it should be added to the intersection,” said junior Nicholas Gallion.
Many of those who drive to campus for work or class are opposed to adding a new signal that might add to their commute.
Alice Beard, financial assistance counselor, said, “All another signal light is going to do is make the morning and afternoon commutes more unbearable.”
This opinion is echoed still by more residents who have joined Palamar by signing his petition to halt the construction of the stop light. Many feel that the city of Malibu has not yet explored all of its options including adding a turning lane as opposed to a traffic signal so that only one lane will be slowed.
The decision to add a traffic signal may already be final, despite protests.
According to Palamar, the traffic signal will almost certainly be placed on the intersection of Corral Canyon and PCH very shortly, despite the opposition against it.
Whatever the outcome, both sides agree that what is best for the residents of the area is of the most importance.
09-21-2006