WILL THE RAILS RISE AGAIN?

The kindergarten playground at Overland Avenue School was bustling with energy and activity. Children playing with every sort of playground apparatus imaginable. And then, the allure of a far off rumbling grabbed every ones attention. In an matter of seconds the entire mass of children on the playground rushed as one from all locations across the yard to the south fence, pressed up against the chain link in eager anticipation as the rumbling grew louder and the object of all the excitement drew closer.

It was the train! The train was coming! Seldom more than four or five cars long, the modest freight line approached at a snails pace as the excitement grew. The lowering of the crossing gates, the clanging of the bell, the deep roar of the chugging locomotive and the friendly wave from the engineer: every time the train passed by it was a momentous occasion of pure, unqualified childhood excitement and elation. And then there were times late at night when I couldn't fall asleep and then I'd hear the passing train off in the distance and it gave me a sense comfort. It was a constant in a turbulent, ever-changing world and with the feeling of security that the distant rumble gave me, I drifted off to sleep.


These days however, there isn't much going on over by what was once that Southern Pacific right of way. In fact, many sections of the track are alltogether missing and the tunnel through which the train once ran under the 10 freeway is fenced shut. Trains haven't run on that line since service ceased way back in the 1970s. These days that stretch of land (on which the trains once reigned king) is now overrun with parking lots and debris and towering hedges of oleander. Sadly, the object of one of my favorite childhood memories as well as a proud part of our neighborhood identity has become desolate, neglected and abandoned by all except the homeless and some very talented graphiti artists.

It appears however, that may all be about to change. . .

There has been much discussion recently about extending the Metro Red Line out to Santa Monica. The proposed route will re-activate the rail lines that ran through West Los Angeles and Cheviot Hills and through the tunnel and out through Palms and on passing close to Baldwin Hills where it would connect with the extension currently under construction extending the existing line to La Cinenga Blvd.

There has been furious opposition from the Cheviot Hills Home Owners Association, but at this time it appears that the extension is going to happen. For more information please refer to The Los Angeles Times-on line article.