MAYOR REACHES OUT TO OPPONENTS OF LAX EXPANSION.

Byline: Beth Barrett Staff Writer

Signaling a dramatic shift toward a regional approach to Southern California air travel, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is set to bring in a new airport commission and has opened confidential negotiations with opponents of the $11 billion Los Angeles International Airport expansion plan.

Villaraigosa had campaigned on a promise to limit modernization to the first phase that involves realigning runways, improving traffic flow and other broadly supported measures so opponents of former Mayor James Hahn's massive reconstruction plan greeted the effort to settle their lawsuit enthusiastically.

``We think it's a very good sign ... We're quite optimistic,'' said Jan Chatten-Brown, the attorney representing the Alliance for a Regional Solution to Airport Congestion, a grass-roots organization that together with Los Angeles County, dozens of local communities and others sued to block the plan, charging that environmental studies are outdated and inadequate.

Chatten-Brown said the groups are in preliminary talks with the mayor's staff about a possible settlement, having hammered out among themselves a ``joint position,'' which has been shared with the mayor's representatives.

Saying the details are confidential, she said the emphasis is on regionalization while addressing LAX modernization by adopting designs that ``effectively'' limit the number of passengers.

The groups also have opposed an off-site ground terminal at LAX as well as the demolition of three terminals - keys to the Hahn plan.

``(Villaraigosa's) vision is very consistent with my client ... to have a real regional system to take the pressure off of LAX, and to provide adequate, safe and secure airline service, including at Palmdale and Ontario,'' Chatten-Brown said.

Janelle Erickson, Villaraigosa's spokeswoman, confirmed that the ``courtesy'' calls were made Monday to the Airport Commission members thanking them for their service to the public.

She said the mayor will announce new appointees in the coming weeks.

``The mayor has indicated the airport is in need of a new direction and with his new appointments is looking forward to a fresh start.''

David Voss, one of three commissioners appointed by former Mayor James Hahn a year ago after local and federal investigations were launched over pay-to-play allegations involving airport contracts, said he was told to expect a letter in a couple of days.

``It was a fantastic experience,'' said Voss, an attorney.

Commission President Cheryl K. Petersen, who former Mayor Richard Riordan appointed in September 2000, called it ``a privilege'' to have worked on the commission. ``I understand if the new mayor wants to assemble his own team.''

The change of direction was applauded by other community and transportation activists.

Bart Reed, executive director of the Sylmar-based nonprofit The Transit Coalition, said he's optimistic that a new commission will be more sensitive to community outreach, as well as public transportation options, such as Metrolink, between the San Fernando Valley and LAX.

``LAWA (Los Angeles World Airports) has been stuck,'' Reed said. ``What this means is the mayor is going to put his imprint on it.''

Beth Barrett, [phone]

beth.barrett(at)dailynews.com