Why, Oh Why?

There has been a lot on my mind lately.

I encourage everyone to participate in the primary election this week. Review your voting materials and statements from candidates and know your voting districts. Many of the district lines have been redrawn through the recent redistricting process, thereby changing some of our representatives. Early voting started May 28 and registered voters can cast their ballots in-person on June 7.

I am shaking my head that the state legislature passed SB1383, mandating food waste to be separated and that local authorities are requiring residents to put the debris in clear plastic bags in their green bins. Bags will then be sorted out and transported by truck to a special processing center miles away for disposal. Where’s the common sense here?

I fear that crime is spiraling out of control with no clear pathway to contain it or to hold those accountable for their actions. I am aghast at the increasing number of “modified” vehicles that race our streets and the freeway fatalities of late. Let’s all vow to watch out for each other and slow down.

I wonder what is going on in La Tuna Canyon. Why is so much trash being dumped there and who is doing this to our community? I have thought many times about gathering a clean-up crew to take care of it but the reality is the canyon road is far too dangerous to walk along due to speeders, let alone work alongside. I am also waiting for the end of the court appeal regarding the use of the Verdugo Hills Golf Course property. My hope is that the judge’s decision to keep the current zoning intact will not be overturned and few to no houses can be built there. We should know soon.

I am overwhelmed by the real possibility that California High Speed Rail is coming to our region. Gavin Newsom and the Rail Authority recently applied for two grants totaling $1.3 billion through the federal infrastructure law passed in November 2021. Projects are primarily scheduled for northern California but funds will also support the Bakersfield to Palmdale and Burbank to Los Angeles sections. Money has already been secured for a revamp of Union Station (US Link) to accommodate high-speed electric trains. The draft environmental report for the Palmdale to Burbank section is due for release soon. Be sure to participate during this important public comment period.

I am delighted that the Glendale City Council voted unanimously on May 5 to direct the $8 million granted by the state via Senator Anthony Portantino toward the rehabilitation of Rockhaven into a museum and park. Funds will be focused on securing the outside of the buildings; improving landscaping and adding ADA accessible features; and creating a museum in the Pines cottage with the support of Friends of Rockhaven. Once this portion is done, Rockhaven will be opened to the public. Future projects could include adaptive reuse of the inside of the buildings for retail or events; a new library facility; improved parking; or something else entirely. Housing is still not off the table.

I am further ecstatic about the vote on May 26 by the LA County Metro Board to designate “no build” as the preferred alternative in the widening of the 710 Freeway. This vote finally ends the 20-year environmental review process and frees up $750 million to be “reimagined” for environmentally responsible transportation projects to move goods and people. I was part of the group of freeway fighters known as the No 710 Action Committee who opposed the massive freeway tunnel and brought common sense solutions, effectively killing that project in 2017 after 70 years of opposition. I am grateful that the Metro Board also realized that widening the 710 Freeway to 14 lanes would bring induced demand (i.e. more vehicles, more pollution) and destroy neighborhoods.

Keep looking up!