---

 [ LOS ANGELES ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=312)

#  The Dems Own Sacramento...So Why Is Transit Funding Taking a Hit?

June 08 2023

Written by Ken Alpern.

<a class="a2a_button_facebook"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"></a><a class="a2a_button_print"></a>[](https://www.addtoany.com/share)

ALPERN AT-LARGE - Welcome to the Post-Pandemic, One-Party World of California. Transit has taken a hit, developers and teachers unions make us all dance to their beck and call (and we still DO it, don't we?), and a budget shortfall appears to be inevitable.

Metro's numbers are down, but ongoing planning for taxpayer-approved New Starts programs (such as the Sepulveda Pass and Wilshire Blvd. subways) is still under way.

But even the amazing, world-renowned BART system has plummeted to record-low levels, and [mock funeral protests](https://brightgram.com/san-francisco-ca/2228968/mock-funerals-mark-bay-area-protests-over-reduced-transit-funding/) over reduced transit funding have occurred[)](https://brightgram.com/san-francisco-ca/2228968/mock-funerals-mark-bay-area-protests-over-reduced-transit-funding/)).

So why is transit falling into the metaphorical trash heap? Here are a few ideas:

1\) When transit is being represented by folks who do mock funerals, and I emphasize that I am a transit advocate, then Sacramento will not take them seriously.

2\) COVID made everyone afraid of large gathering and/or close contact (perhaps this is the most important reason of all). This is not anyone's fault.

3\) Increased virtual and remote commuting and workplace environments. This is a "thing" that won't go away, but it probably needs to be reconsidered with respect to workplace and corporate productivity.

4\) Why commute and work a grocery store or restaurant when everything is now take out and at your doorstep with respect to purchases and food.

5\) Letting the homeless and criminals continue to be insufficiently controlled, if not hurled off, public transit that is meant to be convenience and safe for all to use, regardless to ethnicity, age, or gender.

6\) The hideous lack of credibility transit received with the California High-Speed Ripoff Plan, which was supposed to be an alternative to planes, but was best described (and should have been described) as an alternative to the automobile.

7\) Uber/Lyft...who knew?

8\) Not enough parking at train stations, and absolutely not enough coordination between airports, Metrolink/Caltrain, and local Metro agencies.

9\) The ugly-but-very real issue of most Californians, even in this blue state, choosing convenience and efficiency and access over "saving the planet" with respect to choice of transportation and access to a given location, and/or to get one's purchasing needs quickly and affordably.

10\) A budget in Sacramento that is more focused on whatever the heck teachers unions and other public-sector unions want, regardless of how financially-stable the average Californian is. So long as Sacramento is "owned" by these unions, needs such as transportation and transit will be short-changed.

![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2023/046w.jpg)

No one can possibly know where transit will end up, and perhaps the 2028 Olympics and the end of the pandemic will change everyone's outlook over the next 2-3 years.

But right now transit, transportation, and other mobility priorities are undergoing radical changes with respect to priority both in Sacramento and in local governments.

And it's more likely than not it won't be too good for anyone soon for the rapid transit that myself and so many of us fought valiantly for over the past 20 or so years.

*(Kenneth S. Alpern, M.D, is a dermatologist who has served in clinics in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties, and is a proud husband to a wonderful wife and father to two cherished children. He was termed out of the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC) twice after two stints as a Board member for 9, years and is also a Board member of the Westside Village Homeowners Association. He previously co-chaired the MVCC Outreach, Planning, and Transportation/Infrastructure Committees for 10 years. He was previously co-chair of the CD11 Transportation Advisory Committee, the grassroots Friends of the Green Line (which focused on a Green Line/LAX connection), and the nonprofit Transit Coalition His latest project is his fictional online book entitled The Unforgotten Tales of Middle-Earth and can be reached at Ken.Alpern@MarVista.org. The views expressed in this article are solely those of Dr. Alpern.)*

 [ ![save up to 4000 on used evs](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/LADWP/dwp%20ev%20ad2.png) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/107 "LA DWP | Save $4K, Green | Priority Ad")

 [ ![Donna Tryfman](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/ADS%20FOR%202026/Donna-Tryfman-Ad-Final-Complete-Border-White-Margin.png) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/98 "Donna Tryfman - HS1-1")

 [ ![LA DWP #2 (Pay Your Bill Help)](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/LADWP/dwp%20level%20pay%205-7-25.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/82 "LA DWP #2 (Pay Your Bill Help)")

 [ ![David DeJute Campaign](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/ADS%20FOR%202026/DejuteAd.png) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/111 "David DeJute Campaign")

 [ ![Pay Water Bill Help](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/LADWP/dwp%20-%20cares-ad.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/97 "Home - LA DWP #2 (Pay Water Bill Help)")

 [ ![Anna Reitano Vertical R. Col](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/ADS%20FOR%202026/reitano%20vertical%20rework.png) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/112 "Anna Reitano Vertical R. Col")

 ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/banners/signup-for-cw.png)

## Get The News In Your Email Inbox Mondays &amp; Thursdays

 Phone

 ---

##  Featured CityWatch Stories

 [ ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/1c/072d-1c016ddf.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33319:when-the-last-minute-power-play-failed-sacramento-finally-ran-out-of-time&catid=375)

### [When the Last-Minute Power Play Failed: Sacramento Finally Ran Out of Time](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33319:when-the-last-minute-power-play-failed-sacramento-finally-ran-out-of-time&catid=375)

MY THOUGHTS - Gavin Newsom came to the final days of his final regular legislative session with one more major problem…

 [ ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/4d/073e-4dc54bff.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33336:may-day-international-workers-day-a-major-us-holiday-ignored-by-the-media&catid=398)

### [May Day/International Workers Day, a Major US Holiday Ignored By The Media](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33336:may-day-international-workers-day-a-major-us-holiday-ignored-by-the-media&catid=398)

PLANNING WATCH - Monday, September 7, 2026, was Labor Day, a holiday only celebrated in the United States and Canada as…

 [ ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/4e/072i-4e4914dd.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33314:olympics-la28s-drip-drip-drip-tactics-leave-los-angeles-holding-the-bag&catid=312)

### [Olympics: LA28’s Drip‑Drip‑Drip Tactics Leave Los Angeles Holding the Bag](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33314:olympics-la28s-drip-drip-drip-tactics-leave-los-angeles-holding-the-bag&catid=312)

NICK'S VIEW - Wonderland Los Angeles, a global symbol of dreams, myths, and possibilities, will take center stage at th…

 [ ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/e7/072b-e7b222d1.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33321:1-billion-later-congress-comes-knocking-los-angeles-homelessness-machine-faces-its-day-of-reckoning&catid=396)

### [$1 Billion Later, Congress Comes Knocking: Los Angeles’ Homelessness Machine Faces Its Day of Reckoning](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33321:1-billion-later-congress-comes-knocking-los-angeles-homelessness-machine-faces-its-day-of-reckoning&catid=396)

THE BOTTOM LINE - For years, Los Angeles taxpayers have been told the same thing about homelessness: Give us more money…

 [ ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/09/073i-0998df2d.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33330:cd3-doesnt-need-another-promise-it-needs-a-councilmember-who-can-deliver&catid=401)

### [CD3 Doesn’t Need Another Promise It Needs a Councilmember Who Can Deliver](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33330:cd3-doesnt-need-another-promise-it-needs-a-councilmember-who-can-deliver&catid=401)

THE BOTTOM LINE - Los Angeles voters have heard the promises before: safer streets, cleaner neighborhoods, more housing…

---

##  [ LOS ANGELES ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=312)

 [ ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept-2026/073l.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33335:red-light-fatalities-mount-while-city-hall-still-contemplates-its-navel&catid=312)### [Red-Light Fatalities Mount While City Hall Still Contemplates Its Navel](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33335:red-light-fatalities-mount-while-city-hall-still-contemplates-its-navel&catid=312)

 [ ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept-2026/071a5.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33295:7-ways-to-turn-la28-hype-into-lasting-youth-sports-growth&catid=312)### [7 Ways to Turn LA28 Hype Into Lasting Youth Sports Growth](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33295:7-ways-to-turn-la28-hype-into-lasting-youth-sports-growth&catid=312)

 [ ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept-2026/071a4.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33294:7-simple-ways-to-keep-pets-safe-this-halloween&catid=312)### [7 Simple Ways To Keep Pets Safe This Halloween](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33294:7-simple-ways-to-keep-pets-safe-this-halloween&catid=312)

 [ ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept-2026/071a.jpg) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33291:6-secrets-keeping-la-worksites-safe&catid=312)### [6 Secrets Keeping LA Worksites Safe](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33291:6-secrets-keeping-la-worksites-safe&catid=312)

 [ ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Aug-2026/070d.png) ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33281:designed-to-fail&catid=312)### [Designed to Fail](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33281:designed-to-fail&catid=312)
<div data-id="1" 
	class="eb-inst eb-hide eb-emailform eb-1 eboxContentLocker"
	data-options='{"trigger":"onPageLoad","trigger_selector":"","delay":3000,"early_trigger":true,"scroll_depth":"percentage","scroll_depth_value":80,"firing_frequency":1,"reverse_scroll_close":true,"threshold":0,"close_out_viewport":false,"exit_timer":1000,"idle_time":10000,"close_on_esc":false,"animation_open":"slideInDown","animation_close":"fadeOutDown","animation_duration":400,"disable_page_scroll":true,"test_mode":false,"debug":false,"ga_tracking":true,"ga_tracking_id":"G-P16BQ7X1SW","ga_tracking_event_category":"EngageBox","ga_tracking_event_label":"Box #1 - Global Email Signup Form","auto_focus":false}'
	data-type='popup'
	>

	<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-outside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>
	<div class="eb-dialog eb-formVer" role="dialog" aria-modal="true" id="dialog1" aria-label="dialog1">
		
		<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-inside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>	
		<div class="eb-container">
						<div class="eb-content">
				
<form action="https://citywatchla.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=34d69f33624fd058ee9b56516&amp;id=4bfa422f51&amp;f_id=00d6c2e1f0" class="eb" method="post" id="mcform-1" name="mcform-1" target="_blank">
			<div class="eb-form-header"><p><img src="/images/2023/06/be-a-city-watcher.png" alt="be a city watcher" width="350" height="97" loading="lazy" data-path="local-images:/2023/06/be-a-city-watcher.png"></p>
<p>Sign up to receive our special e-news blasts on Monday and Thursday evenings!</p></div>
	
					<div class="eb-field-row">

			
			
			
			<input class="eb-input" type="email" name="EMAIL"  placeholder="Email address"  id="EMAIL" value="" required>

			
		</div>
										
	<div class="eb-footer">
    	<button class="eb-btn" type="submit" name="subscribe" style="background-color:rgba(93, 183, 93, 1);color:rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)">
    		Sign up    	</button>
    </div>
</form>			</div>
		</div>
	</div>	
</div>
<div data-id="3" 
	class="eb-inst eb-hide eb-yesno eb-3 "
	data-options='{"trigger":"onScrollDepth","trigger_selector":"","delay":0,"early_trigger":false,"scroll_depth":"percentage","scroll_depth_value":80,"firing_frequency":2,"reverse_scroll_close":false,"threshold":0,"close_out_viewport":false,"exit_timer":1000,"idle_time":1000,"close_on_esc":false,"animation_open":"fadeInUp","animation_close":"fadeOut","animation_duration":300,"disable_page_scroll":false,"test_mode":false,"debug":false,"ga_tracking":true,"ga_tracking_id":"G-P16BQ7X1SW","ga_tracking_event_category":"EngageBox","ga_tracking_event_label":"Box #3 - Yes \/ No Donation Popup Box","auto_focus":false}'
	data-type='popup'
	>

	<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-outside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>
	<div class="eb-dialog " role="dialog" aria-modal="true" id="dialog3" aria-label="dialog3">
		
		<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-inside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>	
		<div class="eb-container">
						<div class="eb-content">
				
<div class="ebox-yes-no">
	<div class="ebox-yn-text">
		
		
		<div class="ebox-yn-headline" style="font-size:22px;color:#888888">
			<p>If you only give once a month, would you consider giving to CityWatch?</p>
<p>Your support fuels our mission to promote and facilitate civic engagement and neighborhood empowerment, and to hold area government and its politicians accountable.</p>
<p>Would you like to help? Even if you can only give $5, it will make a difference.</p>		</div>
			</div>
	
	<div class="ebox-ys-buttons" style="font-size: 16px;">
		
<a
					data-ebox-prevent="0"
		data-ebox-cmd="close"
				target="_self"
		href="https://www.citywatchla.com/donate"
		rel="noopener"
	
	
	
	
	class="ebox-ys-btn"
	style="background-color:#2ec664;color:#ffffff;min-width:100px">
	Yes
	</a>
<a
	
	
			data-ebox-cmd="close"
		href="#"
	
	
	class="ebox-ys-btn"
	style="background-color:#ef2345;color:#ffffff;min-width:100px">
	Not Right Now
	</a>	</div>

	</div>			</div>
		</div>
	</div>	
</div>