The South Bay Environmental Justice Alliance
Grassroots power for a just South Bay.
Protecting green space. Defending our future..
The South Bay Environmental Justice Alliance is a grassroots coalition of residents dedicated to protecting our community’s health, green space, and quality of life. We advocate for public infrastructure projects—like the Metro C-Line extension—to be built with communities, not at the expense of them. Our mission is to promote safe, sustainable, and equitable solutions through community education, outreach, and action.
Learn more about this project.
Here’s the deal…
What is the Metro K-Line Southern Extension?
(Also known as the Green Line or the C-Line)
This project aims to extend LA Metro’s rail network approximately 4.4 miles from Redondo Beach to the Torrance Transit Center, following the historic freight train right-of-way (ROW) to better connect South Bay cities like Lawndale and Torrance with major transit hubs. It would link the K and C Lines, offering frequent rail service to LAX and other key areas, and is projected to open between 2030–2033.
What’s the issue?
Metro’s preferred “Hybrid Alternative” would run light rail at-grade (and in some places trenched) along the freight ROW- right behind homes and schools - raising concerns about noise, vibration, air quality, and safety. The trains would run alongside the freight train 200-300 times a day. Many neighbors and cities, including Lawndale and Redondo Beach, are calling for an elevated route down Hawthorne Blvd., a more protective but more expensive option.
The project’s next phase - the Final Environmental Impact Report - is expected in September 2025. Metro may vote shortly after. That’s why now is the time to act: to ensure design choices protect our community, school children, and cherished green spaces.
Why it’s especially alarming:
Metro’s current plan doesn’t just add one new rail line; it makes room for two light rail tracks plus the existing freight train, all within the narrow ROW. To fit them, the freight train would be shifted even closer to residential backyards, with Metro trains running just 5 feet from some homes. This exact freight train has derailed two times over the past two years. This setup raises serious concerns about vibration, noise, and quality of life. The fact that 200 to 300 Metro trains and a freight train would operate just feet from family homes is unprecedented in our region. No amount of mitigation can eliminate the impacts of near-constant train traffic, especially in a residential neighborhood that was never designed for this level of industrial rail activity.
A smarter, safer alternative: Hawthorne Blvd
Instead of running trains behind homes and schools, the elevated Hawthorne Blvd option would place the rail line safely down the center of a wide commercial corridor, where the old Red Car streetcars once ran. This route would avoid residential backyards entirely, protect green space, and preserve neighborhood character—while still delivering the transit connection Metro promises. It’s a proven, common-sense solution that’s already backed by the city councils of Lawndale, Redondo Beach, and Hawthorne.
How you can help:
This project isn’t final, and your voice matters. You can help by emailing local and state representatives, attending Metro meetings, and spreading the word to neighbors. Join a canvassing group, print and share flyers, or volunteer your time and skills. Donations also go a long way in helping us fund outreach, signage, and community events. To get involved, email us at SBJusticeAlliance@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @SouthBayEnviroJusticeAlliance. Together, we can fight for a safer, smarter, and more just solution.