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If you're in need of a good freak out, you might want to check out the scare-tactic video released a few days ago by opponents of Metro's proposal to put the Westside Extension subway tunnel underneath Beverly Hills High School.
Streetsblog first noted the video when it was posted, thought we can appreciate Curbed LA's take: "Bev Hills PTA: Subway Will Destroy Brandon, Brenda." (Old school "Beverly Hills, 90210" reference, for the uninitiated readers. Ahem.)
Also to be appreciated is Curbed pointing out that Beverly Hills' "alternative choice [for the tunnel location] is actually the more dangerous option, according to at least two studies."
Needless to say, Metro is not pleased with the video.
CBS2 elaborates about the "explosive" video:
The video titled “No Subway Under BHHS” — which was made with the help of parents who work in the movie industry — features students walking the school’s hallways interwoven with images of a gas valve and several giant exploding fireballs.
Beverly Hills has remained a staunch holdout in forward progress with the transit project, which would expand the Metro Purple Line to points west, including the Miracle Mile, Westwood, and Santa Monica.
The video was posted by the PTA right when Metro's board voted to approve the plan for the Westside Subway, though the board did opt to put off approving the portion of the line that goes through Beverly Hills...because of the Beverly Hills High issue.
One Beverly Hills official called the proposal to tunnel beneath Beverly Hills High School "a very emotional issue," according to City News Service.
Beverly Hills Mayor William W. Brien said that while residents of the city are "enthusiastic supporters'' of the subway extension, they object to tunneling beneath "the historic core of Beverly Hills High School,'' which may "preclude future construction'' at the campus. (No mention of massive cinematic explosions, though, hmmm?)
Now, Metro spokesman Marc Littman says the PTA's video is an example of "scaremongering," according to CBS2.
More from Littman:
“It’s just unfortunate that they did a video with a fireball and all the special effects,” he said. “It is safe to tunnel..we’re 50 to 70 feet underground, we have subway tunnels under schools, hospitals, residences and businesses throughout the Los Angeles area, including methane gas area downtown and elsewhere.”
Metro is expected to revisit the issue May 17. In the meantime, for those so inclined, there is a Change.org Education Petition against tunneling under BHHS.
