When Pigs Fly

April 18, 2007

Dear Editor,

I have just had a good look at the Pico/Olympic one way proposal that Zev Yaroslavsky is asking to be studied. (see story) I hope it's a joke, otherwise the phrase "When pigs fly..." comes most appropriately to mind.

This kind of egregious imposition cannot be seriously entertained. The turn-around for the one-way coupling should be contained within the city limits of Los Angeles, preferably at Bundy.

I see no legitimate reason to wreck the carefully considered circulation and street scapes in Santa Monica to solve the regional traffic mess. Our regional commitment is specifically expressed in our community support for the light rail extension into our civic and commercial center.

One hopes there is no behind-the-scene pressure to accept this nonsense in exchange for Yaroslavsky's support of light rail to Santa Monica.

You all may count on my support in your efforts and those of the rest of our community to ensure that we get the light rail we need and the region deserves without being blackmailed into accepting any form of the Pico/Olympic proposal that dumps into Santa Monica.

The mouse will have to roar the elephant back into its pen.

Sincerely, and seriously, even though sometimes otherwise,

Eric Parlee
Architect, etc.