Gilman Springs Road bridge

Daughter of former Supervisor Jim Venable; said Caltrans found the bridge in good condition and questioned why replacement and realignment were prioritized over rehabilitation.

Golden Era Productions rep said the 1926 bridge is structurally sound with a scour problem that should be repaired, not demolished and relocated.

Local nonprofit leader opposed the bridge project, citing a rollover crash near the hairpin turn and demanding a full evaluation of alternatives.

Said speeding up the curvy road with hidden driveways would be dangerous and that drivers who want speed have the Ramona Expressway.

Golden Era Productions public affairs director urged the Board not to approve demolition and realignment, saying the decision can't be undone.

Read a statement from a retired sheriff's deputy and collision reconstructionist opposing the bridge relocation, saying removing the curve would increase speeds and danger.

A Golden Era employee who drives the road daily, she described frequent accidents including a recent rollover and asked that safety be evaluated for the whole roadway, not just the bridge, given the proposed higher design speed.

An attorney speaking for Golden Era, she supported fixing the scour but asked RCTC to examine the data behind choosing replacement over rehab, whether it's the best use of funds, and what federal funds permit.

She said the concern is the speed increase, not the bridge repair, noting the curvy road's hidden private entrances would become more dangerous at higher speeds and that the Ramona Expressway already serves through traffic.

Speaking for Golden Era Productions, she acknowledged the bridge's scour problem but questioned why full demolition and replacement is needed when a 2024 Caltrans inspection found the bridge not structurally deficient, and asked for a rehabilitation comparison and review of the higher-speed design.