SHERMAN OAKS : Official to Discuss Transit Alternatives

A Los Angeles County Transportation Commission member will update the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. tonight on the future of rapid transit systems in the San Fernando Valley.

Nikolas Patsaouras, who is also a member of the Rapid Transit District board, will address residents on transit alternatives--which include a Metro Rail subway extension along Chandler Boulevard and a monorail on the Ventura Freeway--now being considered by the commission.

“The impact of this decision will totally change the face of the San Fernando Valley,” said Fred Kramer, vice president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn.

Kramer said members of the homeowner group now oppose a proposal to build a monorail on Ventura Freeway and instead favor a concept to build a Metro Rail extension along Chandler Boulevard.

Patsaouras will tell residents how they can become involved in the commission’s decision-making process and when they can expect a rapid transit system to be built. He is also expected to discuss whether the Valley is receiving its fair share of transit dollars.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at 8 p.m. at Union Federal Savings at 13300 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks.