Technically at least, the bill gives the city of Torrance control over the combined 10 miles of Pacific Coast Highway and Hawthorne Boulevard that lies within the city.
The move will enable the city to make road improvements and synchronize traffic signals without so much red tape.
The catch: in practice the signing of the bill authored by South Bay Assemblyman (and former Torrance Councilman) Ted Lieu merely gives the city the right to negotiate for control of the roads with the state.
The likely major sticking point: cash.
The city wants anywhere from $20 to $40 million for repairs, road improvements and the like before it formally takes control of the roads it has sought for at least a decade.
"We won't take responsibility for these things without the money that goes along with it," said Mayor Frank Scotto.
In other words, given how flush the state is with cash right now don't hold your breath the city gets the roads - and you get an improved commute - any time soon.
We'll have a complete story in Wednesday's dead tree edition of the Daily Breeze.
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