Long Beach business owner frustrated after multiple cars crashed into her store
A Long Beach business owner is hoping the city will implement new safety measures after several vehicles crashed into her store.
Emily Yep owns Magnolia & Willow, an antique store in Long Beach where three vehicles crashed into her store in the past eight months.
“It caused a catastrophe inside,” Yep told KTLA 5’s Jennifer McGgraw. “Almost all the glass and ceramics were broken this time.”
Yes, it says the city of Long Beach needs to do more to help protect its business. She fears for the safety of her employees and feels it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt in her store.
“The stress and anxiety this has caused me and my family is simply inexplicable,” Yep said.
The city placed temporary barriers outside his store, but that didn’t stop the latest vehicle from damaging his business.
“From her perspective, improvements need to happen now and I agree,” Long Beach city employee Eric Lopez said. “We requested a $20 million grant from the federal government, but we have not yet received the money.”
Yes, he says it is very alarming that his store has been damaged several times. She is frustrated with the city’s lack of action.
“It’s crazy that the city expects us to live like this,” Yep said. “How am I supposed to do business in an environment like this?”
Employees are also concerned about their safety.
“Every place we collided, we were very close,” Mariah Perez said. “We could have been standing there.”
Video obtained by KTLA shows an incident on July 4 where a vehicle crashed into the front of the store. Yep says he’s also worried that an innocent bystander could be injured, or worse, if the city doesn’t do more to stop drivers from speeding through the intersection.
“How safe should they feel walking with their baby in the stroller?” Yes, she said. “Should I feel safe having my four-year-old here?”
Councilors recognize that temporary barriers are insufficient to keep the company and its employees safe. Officials say they will make intersection safety a priority in the future.
