Rosendahl hops aboard EXPO LINE BECOMING A TOP PRIORITY
KEN EDWARDS CENTER — The possibility of creating a more cohesive Westside transportation system might have gained momentum Thursday, after a Los Angeles official pledged to get on board with local governments committed to solving common woes.
Representatives from the Westside Cities Council of Governments (COG) were set to become a formal legal entity on Thursday, with or without the city of Los Angeles. However, Los Angeles 11th District Councilman Bill Rosendahl — whose jurisdiction includes Westside communities such as Mar Vista and Venice — pledged his commitment that L.A. will become part of the group by December.
COG members are hoping to muster political support for a variety of common concerns once the organization is formally recognized. For two years, the COG has delayed becoming a formal entity in the hopes Los Angeles would participate and render the group that much more influential, officials said.
Meanwhile, the COG agreed on Thursday to step up lobbying efforts to ensure the proposed “Expo Line” — a proposed light rail transit line that would ultimately connect downtown Los Angeles with Santa Monica — will be aligned in a manner which maximizes cost efficiency and use when it arrives.
Discussions about the need for a better mass transit system in the Westside area is what ensured Rosendahl’s commitment to take part in COG activities, he said.
“This is one of the main reasons I want (L.A.) to join the COG,” Rosendahl said. “We have common transportation issues. I cannot speak about the past, because I wasn’t in office, but I am optimistic (about the future).”
In affirming his position that L.A. will soon join the COG, Rosendahl withdrew previous suggestions the Expo Line, so-called because it would use the old Exposition “Red Car” line, might have any other destination than Santa Monica.
“I look forward to suggesting (the Expo Line) go to Santa Monica,” Rosendahl said.
In September, Rosendahl told the Santa Monica City Council that Venice might be a more appropriate destination for the Expo. However, Rosendahl also told the COG he is working on alternatives that will allow other mass transit systems, such as the Red and Green lines, to be developed in a way which better serves those living in his jurisdiction.
L.A.’s participation in the COG is expected to be approved by the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Legal paperwork to formalize L.A.’s participation in the agreement is expected to be completed in December, officials said.
In addition to recent stepped-up efforts to fight homelessness, the COG decided on Thursday to focus more attention on the Expo Line and other Westside mass transit issues.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s board members are set to begin the second phase of Expo planning this spring. The second phase will provide a blueprint for the line’s route from Culver City to Santa Monica.
COG members are concerned that the MTA’s board, which includes 13 members from around the county, may overlook their concerns as to how the Expo Line is routed.
“Frankly, it seems the board has already made up it’s mind that the Expo Line is going down Wilshire,” said West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore John Heilman.
Santa Monica’s Mayor Pam O’Connor, who serves on the MTA board as one of the Westside’s only representatives, said she needs more help if the COG is to be more effective in ensuring the MTA hears its voice.
“We need to have a coordinated strategy we present to the MTA,” O’Connor said. “I can’t do it alone.”
Heilman and other city representatives at the COG meeting expressed a desire for a study to determine which Expo route would serve the most Westside residents at the lowest cost. All of the COG members, including O’Connor and Rosendahl, expressed enthusiasm for the study.
The COG decided to hire an engineering firm to determine the best Expo route for the Westside. The COG may also look into hiring a lobbying group which would help it determine how to help secure transportation funds from federal and state governments for any future proposal it may make to the MTA.
Rosendahl agreed to arrange meetings as needed with COG officials which involve Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, who commandeers several seats within the MTA board, he said.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 18, 2005. Read the original PDF.