Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

New Gate Blocks Off Popular Runyon Canyon Access Point

runyon.jpg
(Photo by pht0matt via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

There's been a change over at Runyon Canyon Park, and it's going to alter the way a lot of Angelenos hike their favorite path.

Rumors circulated throughout L.A. last week claiming part of the trail would be closed off, limiting access to the hike at Solar Drive -- a popular access point for Runyon trekkers. Turns out, the rumors were true: a gate was recently installed by a private property owner on the trail near the entry point.

City Councilman Tom LaBonge said he is working with the Los Angeles City Attorney, the Department of Water and Power and the Department of Recreation and Parks to determine the city’s rights and options regarding the gate.

LaBonge said he's been discussing the possibility of acquiring 14 acres of property to expand Runyon with the property owner for years now.

Needless to say, hikers are up in arms about the newly installed gate. Flyers have been posted calling on people to take action and tell LaBonge they "don't want Runyon carved up."

The discussions between the city and the property owner over at Solar Drive are on-going. But if there's one thing people shouldn't mess with, it's Angelenos' hiking rights -- especially on one of the most trekked trails in L.A.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today