Views on Light Rail

I wonder how many old-timers in the Los Angeles area remember how the automotive industry giants purchased, then destroyed, the yellow- and red-car passenger transportation systems. It seems as if certain forces are at work again tending to subdue every logical, meaningful and pragmatic approach to solving the terrible transport dilemma that has existed for too long.

I (resentfully) congratulate those homeowners’ organizations that are notified to protest any mention of any transport expert’s recommendation for a most cost-effective, efficient light rail. For the about 600,000 San Fernando Valley citizens who are the potential riders of a proper light-rail line, the objections (noise, air pollution, degeneration of property values, etc.) of the about 600 protesters don’t bear much veracity.

Researching records of the Southern Pacific Railroad engineering department revealed to me that the Chandler spur line was part of the original Burbank loop, which carried primarily passengers but some small amount of freight. This spur line running down Chandler Boulevard was installed in 1889. It might then not be a surprise for those 600,000 transport-stalled citizens to find that practically all that Chandler property was purchased with a genuine choo-choo train running back and forth, spewing its exhaust, blowing its air horn and notifying the neighbors, by heavy rail noise and with its usual ground vibrations, that the property that they bought contained the above!

I also wonder how many of those 600 protesters (all these protesters are not homeowners) have had the happy experience of taking a ride on the quiet, smooth-running, exhaust-free, fast San Diego light-rail line running south from San Diego.

Those 600,000 citizens who are starving for an ungridlocked mode of transport remember how Ms. Bobby F. made congresswoman by a dedication to the single “no-busing” issue. I feel that any of those politicians can increase their probability of winning their seats by holding the graces of those transport-choked thousands! I know you 600,000 “slow riders” will remember the several “flip-floppers” (including a senator, a council member, etc.) who changed their minds like the undulating breeze out of the I-5 canyon!

Lastly, it can be shown that, compared to that smoky lumber train that wakes me up on early Sundays, you spunky 600 diesel-engine watchers may receive a surprise as those beautiful light-rail trains actually cause your property to appreciate.

My years number 76, with most spent in the San Fernando Valley. I am retired, am not a businessman, am not a politician and therefore I feel that I have acquired a “feel” for what is right and good for this home of thousands of irate travelers.

JERRY M. MENDELSON

North Hollywood