LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - Property owners along Live Oak Blvd are getting assailed on all fronts due to the aggressive construction campaign that ramped up a little over 2 months ago, prepping the main thoroughfare of the Live Oak community for its eventual widening and facelift. Whether it is heavy machinery ripping through concrete and ground on their doorsteps, restricted access to their homes and businesses by large equipment, crews, sidewalks left untraversable, or utilities such as water and power being cut off during business hours, residents and business owners are feeling the burn. And it’s forecasted to get even worse.

One of Live Oak’s newest Restaurants, Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant, opened April 26^th, just before the undergrounding project swept into full swing. Owners Dulce Chavez and Francisco Llamas expressed that pulling the trigger on opening their own restaurant was a major life event. Holding true to a tradition of family cooking, Francisco puts his own spun family favorites while Dulce hosts and family members help serve customers. Dulce says “Our lives changed in the blink of an eye. It didn’t just change for us; it changed for the whole family!”

Little did they know that just weeks after opening their doors, their business would become the sight of repeat construction projects. Francisco, Dulce and her sister Anacaren Medina, who volunteers her help at the restaurant, have been told by construction personnel to expect crews on the property at least twice a week, beginning in May and lasting till November of this year.

The family believes that their business sits above a crucial electrical networking point, due to the constant construction. A large electrical box is positioned just feet from the restaurant’s entrance, and according to Anacaren and Dulce, it has had to be re-accessed 4 times since its original undergrounding. According to the sisters, the constant construction has chased away neighboring businesses previously located to the south of the restaurant, forcing one to relocate to downtown Live Oak and the other to the Yuba City area.

Twice last week, construction crews turned water off to the restaurant with no advanced notice. Francisco and Dulce were forced to close all day on July 10^th due to lack of water. These shut offs also extend to power. Despite the family’s requests, construction crews continue to park their vehicles and equipment in the entrance to their parking lot, blocking customer access. The loud noise and dust generated by construction crews are and unwelcome addition to the cozy environment, disturbing the customers while they dine. Dulce says that sales have decreased dramatically adding “the biggest issue is that we look closed.”

The family isn’t giving up, hanging bright “Open” signs on the exterior of the building and has running specials to draw more business. They are currently featuring $1 tacos from 2pm-5pm daily. Pancho’s is waiting for their liquor license and Francisco hopes that will help business pick up. They are fighting to survive, but with this phase of construction showing no signs of slowing, the future is looking uncertain. Ever the optimist, Dulce says, “We will give our best, hope for the best, and go as far as we can.”