PierPass Program Keeps Picking Up

While truckers claim significant problems exist with the new PierPass program, the expanded-hours system for cargo pickup appears to be working well since it launched July 23 in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. PierPass is surpassing expectations on how much cargo would be shipped during the new expanded hours, a program spokesman said. Since Aug. 1, PierPass reports that 35,093 “gate moves” occurred during off-peak hours with 83,521 “gate moves” taking place during regular peak hours, the Daily Breeze reported. The program charges a traffic mitigation fee of $80 per 40-foot cargo container during regular daytime “peak” hours, providing a financial incentive for shippers to move goods during night and Saturday hours instead.

Union Strikes Back


Escalating pressure on Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa over a deal that could give Department of Water and Power workers raises of up to 30 percent, the union for 10,000 of the city’s employees demanded a review of citywide pay policies, the Daily News of Los Angeles reported. In a letter to City Administrative Officer Bill Fujioka, the Service Employees International Union, Local 347 asked for a meeting between City Hall officials and the union’s bargaining team to review equity issues for its workers. The SEIU had approved a contract giving 6.25 percent in wage increases over three years but no increase during the first year because officials said they couldn’t afford more. Under the DWP deal, union workers would get a 16.25 percent pay hike over five years.

Grand Avenue Project Gets Key Vote


The county Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve the framework for a $1.8 billion Grand Avenue project aimed at revitalizing downtown Los Angeles. The project calls for construction to start late next year on five high-rise towers including a skyscraper to be designed by architect Frank Gehry next to his Walt Disney Concert Hall, as well as a hotel, condominiums, apartments and restaurants. The total public subsidy of about $30 million will come from tax-increment revenues generated by the project, including $8.8 million for affordable housing, $12 million for public space improvements and $9 million for street improvements, the Daily News of Los Angeles reported.

Prop. Q Panel Calls for Bratton


The Los Angeles citizens committee overseeing a $600 million public safety facilities bond measure accused Police Chief William Bratton on Tuesday of being AWOL on meetings dealing with LAPD construction projects. Former City Controller Rick Tuttle, a member of the Proposition Q oversight panel, told the City Council that the escalating cost of construction materials made it increasingly difficult to keep the bond measure’s police and fire station projects on time and within budget. Tuttle said he and his colleagues had repeatedly asked Bratton to show up for administrative meetings on Proposition Q, and warned that he will testify again if Bratton continues to go missing, the Daily Breeze reported. Bratton sent a representative to the meetings on his behalf.

Teachers Union Sues Over $3.1 Billion for Schools


The California Teachers Assn. on Tuesday sued Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in an attempt to force the state to increase spending on schools by $3.1 billion, the Los Angeles Times reported. The suit, which the teachers union filed together with State Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell in Sacramento County Superior Court, charges that the budget the governor signed last month deprives schools of funds guaranteed by the state constitution. Officials at the association say the governor promised schools the money and signed legislation in 2004 guaranteeing them the funds, but reneged on his commitment this year. Administration officials were dismissive of the suit.

Westlake Financial Loses Award Judgment


A Sacramento jury awarded $3.1 million in damages to a car-rental franchise in a dispute with L.A. automotive lender Westlake Financial Services. After a three-week trial in Sacramento County Superior Court, the jurors awarded $402,000 to JVMCM Inc., which did business in the Sacramento area as Dollar Rent-a-Car. The jury added $2.7 million in punitive damages against Westlake Financial on Aug. 1. The jury found that Westlake induced the rental franchise to enter into contracts by making false representations. The jurors also found that Westlake overcharged interest, assessed unwarranted late charges, and failed to give credit for many monthly payments, the Los Angeles Times reported.