by Eliot Sekuler

Proposed construction of a high-speed bullet train, possibly including a section of rail alongside the Northeast L.A. section of the L.A. River, will be among the topics addressed by Councilmember Ed Reyes at the Mount Washington Association's next general membership meeting at 7:30 pm on Monday, November 16 at the Jack and Denny Smith Community Center at the Mount Washington School.

The proposed train, which said to carry a $45 billion price tag, would whisk travelers from Los Angeles to San Francisco in about 2 ? hours and has been described as "the nation's most ambitious rail project since the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869."

In a recent Los Angeles Times article, Councilmember Reyes voiced his concerns with the impact the train route might have on the burgeoning L.A. River green belt and on our community's environment, echoing the worries of many neighborhood residents.

This project has the potential to have a tremendous impact on both our community and on our state's economy. As our representatives prepare to attempt a juggling of economic benefits and environmental perils, we hope to provide a forum for an update and reasonable discussion of this important issue.

Also on the agenda, a discussion of the proposed addition of mountain bike trails to Debs Park and the nomination of new MWA officers for 2010.
Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.