[Editor’s Note: This was composed following yesterday’s announcement that the long-awaited Expo light rail originating in downtown Los Angeles will reach Culver City two weeks from today, Wednesday, June 20.]
Unfortunately, the city has little vision and few skills in goals or planning even though the opening date of the of the Expo light rail to Washington and National has been known for a long time.
No announcement on the city’s website.
• No mention of it on the city’s event calendar.
• No ad hoc coordinating event committee formed by the city.
• No forethought or budget for it
• No planning with the local merchants, the Downtown Business Assn., or the Chamber of Commerce. • Willing volunteers with RSVP not used.
• No high school band or any type of celebrations.
• Blown marketing opportunity to show Culver City’s wonderful restaurants or attractions.
• No planned police, traffic or security measures.
• No call for merchants to set up temporary stands for the event.
• No special weekend sales by merchants in the area.
• No maps or pamphlets to hand out to visitors.
• No freebees, like water, children’s crayon books, safety reminders being handed out.
• No maps or placards showing bus routes, schedules or location of nearby merchants at the new station.
• City Hall’s message to visitors to Culver City:
“Get lost!”
Mr. Ehrlich may be contacted at PMSHA@aol.com