Dear Crenshaw/LAX Line Stakeholders,

May 1, 2013

I believe the Crenshaw line is a vital transit and economic development resource from which South L.A. communities and the entire region should be able to fully benefit. Accordingly, I support a Leimert Park rail station and I have strongly advocated for it throughout my campaign, in neighborhoods and forums across Los Angeles. More importantly, as a Councilmember, I have a long history of officially pressing the case through on-the-record statements and personal advocacy to decision-makers, including the MTA board. I am proud that this isn't just an issue I've taken up on the campaign trail. It's long been an official policy imperative of my Council office. As Mayor, I will continue to aggressively fight for the rail stop in Leimert Park to improve safety, create jobs, boost local businesses, and provide better access to a transportation option that will help South L.A. residents get to where they need to go without a car, which will reduce congestion and pollution for us all. This week I joined Councilmembers Wesson, Parks, and Perry to support the use of $40 Million in local city funds toward funding the Leimert Station. My understanding is that the bids for the line will be discussed at the MTA Board on May 23rd. It will be a tough fight to fund this station and I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you to get it done. I have always supported under-grounding the line from 48th Street to 59th Street, and just as I have regarding the Leimert Park station, I have advocated for this throughout my campaign and as a longtime policy priority of my Council office. Under-grounding, however, is unfortunately not part of the current EIR. I will continue to advocate for under-grounding the line, and if elected will immediately confer with Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and carefully assess new options to see how we can achieve this goal without delaying Line construction or impacting the completion of the Leimert Park station. To achieve the above goals and to achieve fair and complete transit systems I have said in the past and repeat here that a transit rider will be at least one of my appointments to the MTA board as Mayor. I will also ensure that at least one member of the MTA board is from South L.A. I commend the Crenshaw Subway Coalition for your incredible leadership on this issue. As Mayor, I will regularly call on and meet with you face-to-face so that we can work together on this important issue, as well as ask your advice in appointing the best possible MTA Board members. I look forward to working with you on these important actions. Sincerely,

Councilman Eric Garcetti Paid for by Garcetti for Mayor 2013 - General FPPC ID# 1356062 11326 Ventura Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 91604 Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org Printed in house Labor donated