Encino Businesses Brace for 'Carmageddon'

Lisa McGuinness usually has a long to-do list. From checking the inventory of fresh groceries to preparing deli foods, she is up and running early in the morning at Gilisa's Market Deli on Ventura Boulevard.

This month, she has one thing added to the long list: She needs to find a place to stay near her deli for two days. Because Interstate 405 between the 10 and the 101 freeways is set to be closed July 16-17 for the Mulholland Bridge demolition project, McGuinness is looking for a way to avoid the commute from her home in Torrance to her store in Encino.

"I'm going to probably stay at a hotel around here during that weekend," said McGuinness, adding that she cannot imagine being stuck in traffic for hours to get to work. 

"There's no way I want to get into that mess."

Just a mile from the deli, Lee Jakubowicc is also coming up with a Plan B for what's being called "Carmageddon" weekend.

Unlike other commuters who will be staying at hotels or crashing on friends' or relatives' couches, the receptionist at the Encino spa Salt Chalet plans to find a new route to work.

"I only take the 101 when I come to work," said the Hollywood resident, saying she does not know any other way to commute to Encino. 

Expecting heavy delays, Jakubowicc said she will take her chances and give herself an extra hour to get to work. 

"On normal days, I leave around 9:15 a.m. to get to work on time. But on the first day [of the closure], I'm going to leave home at 8:30 or even earlier than that to make sure I have enough time."

She said many of the spa's regular customers chose not to schedule appointments on July 16 and 17. Weekends are usually busy there, but the business expects its salt rooms, used for therapeutic purposes, to be empty during the freeway closure period.

With Valley residents being told by transportation officials to stay home, businesses in the area are expecting a tough weekend—especially those offering delivery services.

Aren Masrhi, employee of Encino Fireplace Shop, said the freeway closure will throw a chill on business.

"We deliver a lot of appliances and fireplace stuff all over the area. I don't know how we're going to do that," Masrhi said. 

While many business owners are concerned about the effects of the freeway closure, some are trying to attract more customers by offering special deals and encourage residents to shop locally.

McGuinness said she will make the best of the inconvenient situation by offering a special menu item at her deli.

"You can buy a sandwich for $5.99, and you get a free drink. And maybe a cookie, if you'd like one," she said. "I'm also hoping people will stay in the area, shop locally and help the businesses in the area."

Closer to the 405 Freeway, John O'Groats Grille & Pub, 16120 Ventura Blvd., is also planning special deals.

"We're calling the 405 special 'Life in the Slow Lane,' " said Paul Tyler, owner of the restaurant. The appropriately named menu item will offer one pancake, one egg, one strip of bacon and one cup of coffee.

"It's for people who want to stop and get fueled up while they are waiting to get on the road," he said.

For those looking to beat the heat in mid-July, "Carmageddon Punch" will be served for $4.05. Tyler wouldn't divulge the recipe, but promised it would be "flavorful."

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