The Los Angeles Times on Tuesday published another editorial critical of the city's attempts to thwart Metro from tunneling under Beverly Hills High School.
The newspaper, which has run several opinion articles urging the city to accept the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board's approval of a route that goes under BHHS, framed this latest rhetorical salvo in the context of the 2013 Beverly Hills City Council election:
Beverly Hills' embarrassing battle against the Westside subway extension, which emerged as a major political issue last year, is becoming one of the key issues in the March 5 city elections. With the lines hardening between those determined to take legal action to stop the construction of a tunnel under the local high school, which they fear will endanger students, and those who see that route as the safest alternative, we urge residents to consider the scientific and engineering reality rather than merely relying on emotion. In other words: Stop gumming up the rails, Beverly Hills, for your own sake and L.A.'s.
Mayor William Brien has voiced his own reservations about the subway, but to his credit, he has sought to avoid a costly legal fight against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, whose board last May approved a plan to route the train under Beverly Hills High School. As a result, Brien has been heavily criticized by his political opponents. We're not endorsing Brien or any candidate in the city race this year, but in the case of the subway, he's right not to pick a fight.
The editorial goes on to attempt to assuage safety concerns expressed by Beverly Hills city officials, school board members and residents.
Last week the city filed a second lawsuit, this time in federal court, that attempts to block the Westside Subway Extension.
Click here to read the entire Times editorial.
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A: Yes.
Here are the facts: 1. Mayor Willie Brien has stated scores of times at public Council Meetings, Debate forums and coffees that he OPPOSES the tunneling route under BHHS 2. Mayor Brien lead the City’s effort to promote the Santa Monica route and even suggested a location for a much needed Park n Ride. 3. Mayor Brien was the point person for the City for choosing the lawyers to file our suite against FTA/Metro If one is wondering why Smith through his gutter ball journalism is so vigorously attacking Mayor Brien here is the reason... Two years ago he told both Mayor Brien and me (BH Mayor '11) that if we DIDN'T vote for his favored Pasadena Rose Bowl Float ($300,000) and if we DID vote for the "TASTE" event sponsored by the LA Times (resulting in a $28K donation to BHEF) that he would "punish" us in his paper. Intimidation by Smith to vote his way or direct advertising to his paper is not new… just ask current or former Council Members, BHEF, The Chamber, CVB, City Hall and School Board. Simply put, non-resident Clif Smith cannot bully or intimidate lifelong resident Mayor Willie Brien and it simply kills him so his only retort is his toxic pen. When integrity and independence counts, Mayor Willie Brien is the clear choice. Barry Brucker-Council Member Mayor (2008 & 2011)
They must be in bed with Metro. The Times also posts letters and other opinions supporting the subway going under BHHS, but will not publish anything from anyone who opposes it. The Times will tell you that their paper is for all people and that it takes no sides. The Times has shown its bias hand a number of times in support of Metro. However, that really does not matter. The facts will speak loud and clear in a court of law where Metro and its ongoing fraud in this matter will be exposed. There will be no tunnel under Beverly Hills High School when all is said and done.