Garcetti throws curve ball into LAX runway debate

By opposing a plan to move the northernmost runway 260 feet, the mayoral candidate is going against business groups and many elected officials. They insist that the additional distance will make it easier to maneuver jumbo jets like the A380 and 787. But a 2010 study by NASA's Ames Research Center found further separation to be unnecessary, concluding that the airfield "is extremely safe under the current configuration." Isn't Garcetti just looking for South Bay votes? Most certainly - and let's remember that the business community is generally backing Wendy Greuel so he might not be risking that much. Still, it's a tricky issue to take a definitive stand on, which makes Garcetti's announcement kind of refreshing in this often namby-pamby campaign. From the LAT:

The LAX proposals are expected to reach the council later this year. In a statement, Millman called the roughly $4-billion package of airport projects favored by Garcetti "the environmentally superior option." It excludes the runway shift and a plan to realign Lincoln Boulevard near LAX, both of which were recommended by airport officials. "Everybody agrees on nearly all of the proposals -- improving the terminals, bringing light rail to LAX, and building a consolidated car rental facility," Millman said. "Eric wants to move forward on these important projects as quickly as possible to create more jobs now, increase safety, relieve traffic, reduce pollution and improve the experience for passengers, workers and residents."