BLUE FOLDER ITEM
Blue folder items are additional back up material to administrative reports and/or public comments received after the printing and distribution of the agenda packet for receive and file.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 20, 2026
P.1 APPROVE LETTER TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REGARDING THE CITY’S SUPPORT OF THE
HAWTHORNE ALTERNATIVE FOR THE PROPOSED C LINE EXTENSION TO TORRANCE
PROJECT
CONTACT: JOY FORD, CITY ATTORNEY
• C LINE PROJECT LETTER OF SUPPORT
January 21, 2026
Honorable Chair Dutra Via Electronic Mail
Metro Board Members [email protected]
Board Administration
One Gateway Plaza
MS: 99-3-1
Los Angeles, CA 90012
RE: Item 11.1: C Line Extension to Torrance Project Final EIR Certification Redondo Beach’s Support for Director Mitchell, Sandoval and Dupont-Walker’s motion selecting the Hawthorne Alignment
Dear Board Chair Dutra and Honorable Board Members:
On behalf of the City of Redondo Beach, please accept this letter as Mayor Light and the City Council’s unanimous (4-0-1) support for the motion by Directors Mitchell, Sandoval and Dupont-Walker selecting the Hawthorne alignment. We write to express how we envision working with Metro, Caltrans and our neighbors to advance the Project on Hawthorne Blvd. and we request that the Board approve the motion.
As a preliminary matter, Redondo Beach has consistently supported the C-Line Extension on Hawthorne, as it achieves the Project objectives, including but not limited to improving mobility, providing alternative modes of transit, and providing more equitable access to regional destinations, displacing the greatest amount of VMT and resulting in the greatest number of annual project trips.
The Hawthorne alignment increases commercial visibility instead of impacting and dividing a residential neighborhood. Some of the significant issues associated with the LPA option would be resolved with the Board’s selection of the Hawthorne alignment. The Hawthorne Alternative, studied in depth in the draft and final EIR, resolves potential issues associated with selection of the LPA. In particular, the Hawthorne Alternative avoids relocation of utilities and high-risk construction activities associated with the LPA option. For these reasons among others, the Hawthorne Alternative provides the greatest return on regional investment.
C Line Extension FEIR
Redondo Beach Comments
January 21, 2026
If and when the Board certifies the FEIR and approves the Hawthorne Alternative, Redondo Beach is ready to:
• Expedite any necessary local approvals and permits to enable timely Project construction and reduce the risk of schedule delays;
• Expediently work through the Caltrans relinquishment process for Hawthorne Blvd. (SR 107) to enable local control of permitting and approvals; • Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions to centralize permitting for the Hawthorne option;
• Further advocate for funding for this Project at the South Bay Cities COG, specifically during the Measure M Decennial Review process commencing this year; • Support expansion of the Business Interruption Fund to cover businesses impacted by Project construction along Hawthorne Blvd. to ensure their continued success;
• Pursue funds for first/last mile improvements for the South Bay Galleria station, and plan for our 3% local match contribution to the Project; The City is also uniquely positioned to ensure traffic in Redondo Beach along Hawthorne Blvd. is managed efficiently with minimal disruption during construction. In that regard, the City also appreciates the Board’s stated commitment to helping small businesses remain viable during and after construction.
The Hawthorne Alternative is the only Project alternative that meets the Project objectives, fulfills the Board’s CEQA requirements, and delivers high ridership. Redondo Beach looks forward to working in partnership with Metro, Caltrans, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and our neighbors to deliver high quality transit to the region.
C Line Extension FEIR
Redondo Beach Comments
January 21, 2026
Thank you in advance for your consideration of our comments.
Sincerely,
Jim Light
Mayor
Joined by:
Brad Waller Chadwick Castle
Council Member, District 1 Councilmember, District 2
Paige Kaluderovic Zein Obagi Jr
Council Member, District 3 Council Member, District 4
CC: L.A. County Metro Board
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
Luke Smude, Assistant to the City Manager
Andrew Winje, Public Works Director
L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn