Encino Businesses, Streets Quiet in Midst of Freeway Closure

Restaurant patios were empty and parking was plentiful on every street in Encino Saturday. Most businesses were void of customers.

"It’s been dead,” said a waitress at Coral Tree Cafe. “Everyone’s afraid to go out.”

Twitter follower @RKTElliotts3 said customers weren’t even venturing to get a manicure or pedicure at Soak nails salon on Ventura Boulevard.

“No waiting. Place is empty. Feel bad for Ventura Blvd biz owners,” she tweeted.

The typically packed Lake Balboa had just a few cars Saturday afternoon, with a couple children’s birthday parties and some picnic-goers.

Over at Balboa Sports Park, the tennis courts, fields and playgrounds were barren of people. There was only one soccer game going on. However, the stands were filled at Encino Little League for sectionals.

Click through our photo gallery of a pretty sleepy Saturday in Encino, as unusually light traffic flowed freely during 'Carmageddon'.