EDITORIAL WRONG TURN FOR BUS PANEL.

AS elected leaders of Los Angeles grapple with learning about the democratic process and fair representation for all, they seem to make a lot of missteps along the way.

Democracy, after all, is a four-letter word to the 15 Mini-Me mayors of Los Angeles who hold down the offices of City Council members.

For example, City Council President John Ferraro of Hancock Park last week was supposed to appoint four Valley representatives to serve on a panel that will oversee creation of a separate bus system for the San Fernando Valley and neighboring communities.

Ferraro, whose district includes part of the Valley, named three Valley residents, including Councilman Alex Padilla, along with his own aide Renee Weitzer, a Malibu resident.

The last time we checked, Malibu wasn't part of the Valley or in the proposed transit zone. But perhaps its residents, sensing the momentum is swinging toward the Valley, are thinking about filing to be annexed by the new city.

Or maybe Ferraro just got confused. It's hard to find the Valley on a map when you never visit the area you represent.