Which Way, L.A.?

Freeway 101: Ventura Freeway Widening Plan

This week, a steering committee made up of a number of regional and state agencies will consider a $3.4 billion proposal to widen the 101 Freeway from downtown Los Angeles through Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, eventually to Ventura and beyond. The expansion would add two new carpool lanes in each direction, but require destruction of 800 residences, 250 commercial buildings and 27 schools and churches. Must a few lose their homes to make way for the commute of the many? Managing Editor Kyle McKinnon examines the costs of easing traffic congestion with a long-time commuter, a resident threatened by freeway expansion, a transportation manager for the Auto Club and the chairman of an organization that looks at transportation solutions for the Valley. Making News: Showdown over LAPD Budget Despite the rhetoric from LAPD Chief William Bratton, the City Council today voted 11-4 for a budget that does not include money for 320 new police officers he and Mayor Hahn requested in the coming fiscal year. Hahn had promised to veto such a budget, but the council has the ten votes needed to override a veto. Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, who sits on the Budget and Finance Committee, discusses several budget items.