Hahn wins Metro backing for Pico Rivera Metrolink station
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn (D-Long Beach, San Pedro, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Whittier, Diamond Bar) won unanimous Metro Board approval Wednesday for her motion to move the Commerce Metrolink station to Pico Rivera, a city where trains have long passed through without stopping.
The existing Commerce station averages just 33 riders a day and must be relocated to make way for California High-Speed Rail. The High-Speed Rail Authority has recommended moving it to an industrial area of Montebello, but Hahn has pushed for Pico Rivera instead.
A feasibility study found a Pico Rivera station could draw 350 to 430 riders a day by 2045. The motion directs Metro to provide up to $6 million for preliminary engineering and environmental review, with the expectation that the High-Speed Rail Authority will reimburse Metro.
“Pico Rivera has had Metrolink trains running through its community for years, but residents haven’t been able to get on board. We have an opportunity to change that. Instead of moving the station to an industrial area with limited transit connections, we can put it where it will better serve riders and help strengthen downtown Pico Rivera,” said Hahn.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Supervisor Hilda Solis, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, and Metro Director Tim Sandoval co-authored the motion. Commerce, Montebello and Pico Rivera all support the Pico Rivera site, as do State Sen. Bob Archuleta, Rep. Linda Sánchez and U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff.
“The Pico Rivera City Council is united in its belief that the Pico Rivera Regional Rail Station is critical to our future. Combined with our commitment to the Metro E Line extension and the Rosemead-Lakewood Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit Line, Pico Rivera is a city that embraces high-quality transit and transit-oriented development,” said Pico Rivera City Manager Steve Carmona at a Metro committee meeting last week.
Pacheco delivers $3.5 million to Downey, Bell and Cudahy projects
Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey, Norwalk, La Mirada) presented ceremonial checks this week for $3.5 million in state funding she secured for four community projects in Downey, Bell and Cudahy.
“People don’t experience the state budget as numbers on a page. They experience it when their kids have somewhere to learn to swim, explore science, or play outdoors, and when seniors have places to stay active and be connected. I’m glad I could secure this funding and work with our local partners to bring these projects closer to reality,” said Pacheco.
The funding includes:
Kolar Family YMCA, Downey: $1.5 million. The money will help turn the YMCA into a modern, more accessible facility, part of a $23.5 million campaign that includes an indoor pool, a renovated gym and a child activity center.
Columbia Memorial Space Center, Downey: $1 million. The money will help build a new Learning Complex housing a full-scale mockup of the space shuttle Inspiration, built in Downey. It adds to about $2.7 million Pacheco previously secured for the center.
Bell Senior and Youth Center: $500,000. The money will pay to design a new center for after-school, arts, technology and senior programs in a building the city recently bought on Gage Avenue.
Clara Park, Cudahy: $500,000. The money will advance park improvements shaped by more than 200 residents, including better playgrounds, basketball courts, safer facilities and more gathering space.
“We thank Assemblymember Pacheco for this important investment in Clara Park and the Cudahy community. This project reflects our commitment to listening to residents, expanding access to green space, and creating the welcoming recreational spaces our community deserves,” said Cudahy Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez.
Bass backs Boyle Heights vendors, businesses hit by Lineage fire
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined Boyle Heights residents, business owners, and job seekers yesterday at a job and career fair her office launched to help workers and businesses affected by the Lineage warehouse fire.
Her office handed out sidewalk vending carts to local street vendors, through a partnership with the county, and recognized businesses receiving grants of up to $30,000 to help them recover from the fire, keep workers on the payroll and avoid layoffs.
“Boyle Heights is a community built on hard work, strength, and resilience. This community has been through so much, but these families and businesses have always found ways to overcome challenges and support one another. Our street vendors are a powerful example of that spirit, turning their dreams into businesses to support their families,” said Bass.
“And as small businesses continue to recover from the Lineage warehouse fire, we are investing in them and working to protect jobs as we continue fighting for environmental justice. Boyle Heights deserves a city that shows up, stands with its people, and delivers real support. That is exactly what we will continue to do,” she added.
