April 22, 2011

Dear Mayor Villaraigosa:

As you know, I have owned The Smiley Group, Inc. located at 4434 Crenshaw Boulevard in the Leimert
Park Crenshaw community for over 11 years. I have been eager to see a Crenshaw rail line since it was first
proposed by Congressman Julian Dixon and Mayor Tom Bradley in the 1980’s.

Mr. Mayor, I am writing to urge that you support the proposal before the Metro Board of Directors to place
the Crenshaw/LAX rail line below grade in Park Mesa Heights and that a Leimert Park station at Vernon
Avenue be included in the route.

I am pleased to support the Crenshaw/LAX rail line as another positive public works project for our region.
However, I strongly believe that this time, our community can not afford to pay an unfair price for progress.
Running the train at street-level through Park Mesa Heights will not only endanger pedestrians –including
students at Crenshaw High School and View Park Prep—it will harm businesses by removing parking and
landscaping and increasing traffic gridlock. Furthermore, an at-grade train will run slower and keep the rail
line from attracting the most passengers possible.

The Crenshaw/LAX rail line must also serve Leimert Park, a cultural gem in the city and the most important
commercial center along the route. Failing to build a station at Leimert Park would bypass one of the most
attractive destinations from the rail line and limit neighborhood revitalization opportunities.

The Crenshaw community has been a key force in the progressive politics that have been the foundation for
the diverse, prosperous and innovative city that we are today. The entire region has benefited from the
Harbor, Santa Monica and Century freeways that run through our communities. For those benefits, however,
we have also paid a price in our neighborhoods through greater air and noise pollution and diminished
property values.

Mr. Mayor, I realize there will be considerable construction expenses involved to build the Crenshaw/LAX line in the
manner that does the least harm to these communities. It is my hope, however, that you will use your authority as a
Metro Director to recognize the value of a long-term investment in the heart and soul of Los Angeles and the African
American community. The cost of not doing so will be far greater to all.

All best,

Tavis Smiley

4434 Crenshaw Boulevard  Los Angeles, CA 90008  Phone: (323) 290-4690  Fax: (323) 290-3940
www.tavistalks.com