Redondo Beach Council approves letter backing Hawthorne Boulevard alignment for C Line extension

Redondo Beach’s City Council voted to send a formal letter to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority endorsing the Hawthorne Boulevard alignment for the proposed C Line (formerly Green Line) extension to Torrance.

Council members said the Hawthorne alignment would serve more riders, connect established business corridors and avoid running trains through residential backyards. Council member Abhaji and Council member Kalajanovic, who helped draft the letter with the city attorney and outside counsel, said the city also offered to expedite local approvals and pursue funding for first- and last-mile improvements and business-interruption support during construction.

Supporters spoke at the meeting. Nikki Nigretti Mitchell, identified as a District 3 stakeholder, told the council the alignment “has emerged as the best option, serves the greatest number of riders” and urged residents to attend the LA Metro board meeting. Mickey Johnson, president of the North Redondo Beach Business Association, said his group supports the Hawthorne alignment as “good for business and good for our community.”

Councilmember Obagi moved to approve the letter; the council voted 4–0 to submit it, with Council member Barron recusing himself from the discussion and vote. The council directed staff to file the letter and to continue coordinating with regional partners and area businesses as the Metro board decision approaches.