Rural charm lost on Ortega Highway?

There is general agreement that the Ortega Highway has safety issues. But Caltrans' effort to make improvements to the narrow canyon road have raised some concerns from those who fear losing the rural charm. The Times' David Reyes reports that San Juan Capistrano is concerned about trees being removed, among other thing.

Along tree-lined Ortega Highway in front of Susan Merchant's San Juan Capistrano home, life unfolds both peacefully and fitfully. Residents stroll and some clomp down the road on horseback in pastoral moments interrupted only by the traffic's roar. "This morning I tried crossing on my horse and I needed help because no one would stop," Merchant said. She is among those in town who fear that what little bucolic lifestyle is left in San Juan is now in jeopardy. Caltrans has plans to remove old sycamore and pepper trees, install sound walls and medians and widen a short segment of Highway 74, a proposal that has some residents and city officials concerned that the town's historic charm hangs in the balance. After all, the city is home to Mission San Juan Capistrano. In addition, San Juan touts its rancho lineage on its website: "Equestrian Capital of the West Coast."