‘Door Will Be Open’ : Ferraro Carries Mayoral Bid to Valley Leaders

Los Angeles City Councilman John Ferraro, who has said he considers the San Fernando Valley crucial to his long-shot bid to unseat Mayor Tom Bradley, came to the Valley Tuesday night for an informal talk with 15 leaders of influential homeowner groups.

The Valley leaders did most of the talking, however, and appealed to Ferraro to help curb development along Ventura Boulevard, reduce aircraft noise from Burbank and Van Nuys airports and alleviate traffic congestion along major streets.

Ferraro promised to help on a couple of issues but did not take stands on others. “I’ve just been a councilman,” Ferraro said. “I’ve represented my district,” which includes the Wilshire and Fairfax areas.

“I won’t come here and tell you I have all the answers, but my door will be open,” he said.

Eight Groups Represented

The leaders, representing eight community groups from North Hollywood to Woodland Hills, questioned Ferraro about the same issues that dominated Bradley’s appearence before homeowners’ groups in the Valley two weeks ago.

In response to complaints about overdevelopment along Ventura Boulevard, Ferraro said he would consult the area’s councilmen, Joel Wachs and Marvin Braude, about the possibility of a building moratorium until zoning can be changed to slow development.

Ferraro also reiterated his opposition to the proposed Metro Rail subway project and suggested that a light rail system would be more practical. He said funds that would otherwise go to Metro Rail should instead be used to keep bus fares low.

The meeting was at the home of Richard Close, who heads the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. Although it was closed to the public, Close invited several members of the media to attend.

Ferraro also has been invited to speak at a public forum March 18 in North Hollywood.

Valley homeowner associations traditionally do not endorse candidates for political office, but a group president’s decision on how he plans to cast his ballot can carry considerable weight with the membership. Because the liberal Bradley has fared poorly in the Valley in previous elections, Ferraro has said the conservative region is his highest priority, according to Ron Smith, Ferraro’s campaign consultant.