A California state appeals court ruled on Feb. 3, 2026, against the “Open Main Street” group, upholding the city of Ventura’s authority to keep downtown Main Street closed to vehicles. The court affirmed that cities have “substantial discretion” to manage traffic and restrict streets for public use, dealing a final blow to the property owners’ lawsuit.
The city won in Ventura County Superior Court, and the property owners appealed.
Key Details of the Ruling:
- Case Outcome: The 2nd District Court of Appeal rejected the arguments from property owners who sought to reopen the street.
- Legal Basis: Justices ruled that state law permits cities to restrict streets for public purposes, supporting the city’s “Main Street Moves” project.
- Background: The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, argued that the city violated state law regarding permanent closures and caused economic damage to businesses, which was initially dismissed in lower court.
- Impact: The ruling allows the pedestrian-only, closed-to-cars, layout of downtown Ventura to continue, ending a prolonged legal battle over the initiative.
