Local News in Brief : Bernardi Meets Challengers But Too Late to Debate Them

Los Angeles City Councilman Ernani Bernardi on Monday night held his first face-off with his six challengers--sort of.

Because of another campaign appearance in Sylmar, Bernardi arrived two hours late for a candidates forum sponsored by the Lake View Terrace Improvement Assn.--too late to debate his opponents in the election Tuesday for the 7th District seat representing the northeast San Fernando Valley.

But he still was able to meet informally with 40 homeowners who clustered in small groups so they could meet with each of the candidates.

Bernardi, who has avoided candidates forums for fear he would be treated unfairly, received a friendly welcome.

He defended his efforts to reduce crime and control development. “I’ve made money available out of my budget to keep police on the street,” he said. He pointed out that he sponsored a council-approved measure restricting the building of large apartment and condominium complexes in the district until a new development plan can be prepared.

Bernardi’s leading challenger, Lyle Hall, was criticized by some homeowners for supporting the establishment of the Nancy Reagan Center for drug rehabilitation in Lake View Terrace. Bernardi opposes the facility.

Another challenger, Jules S. Bagneris III, drew applause from the audience when he complained that Lake View Terrace, site of the city’s Lopez Canyon landfill, has for too long been the “dumping ground for Los Angeles.”