Local News in Brief : Flores Opposes Permit Bill

Los Angeles Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores has asked the City Council to oppose legislation that would strip the city of its control over coastal development permits for Union Pacific Resources Co. in Wilmington.

A state Senate bill, introduced by Sen. Ralph C. Dills (D-Gardena), would require Union Pacific to obtain only one permit--from the state Coastal Commission--rather than permits from both the state and the city. No Union Pacific representative has been available to explain the company’s plans.

The Flores resolution, which the City Council is scheduled to consider Tuesday, instructs city lobbyists to oppose the bill and any similar ones that are introduced in the future. “We obviously like local control,” Flores’ chief deputy, Bernie Evans, said.

Evans said Flores is worried that the legislation, which last week was approved by the Senate Natural Resources Committee and sent to the Appropriations Committee, could set a precedent for future exemptions. In addition, city officials are worried that the bill could affect a consultant’s plan for recreation facilities--including a large aquarium--on land just west of the property mentioned in the bill.